'SHIELD Against CCP Act' Gains Broad Law Enforcement Support
Bill by US Rep. Dale Strong has passed House, awaits Senate action
The Strategic Homeland Intelligence and Enforcement Legislation to Defend (SHIELD) Against the CCP Act, introduced by U.S. Representative Dale Strong (R-AL), mandates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a dedicated working group focused on addressing various security challenges linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The legislation, one of a quartet of national security bills introduced by Rep. Strong in January, aims to enhance DHS's capabilities in monitoring and countering activities such as cyber threats, border security breaches, and transportation vulnerabilities associated with the CCP. It would establish a Working Group to be responsible for assessing DHS's current efforts and providing annual reports to Congress over a seven-year period.
Rep. Strong emphasized the urgency of the bill, stating, "China is one of the biggest threats to our country, and they have taken every opportunity over the last four years to exploit Biden's open borders. This bill will ensure DHS has a dedicated team working to combat this threat head-on."
The SHIELD Against CCP Act has received endorsements from several prominent law enforcement organizations, including the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), the National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition (NNOAC), and the National Fusion Center Association (NFCA).
Eric Brown, President of the NNOAC, highlighted the CCP's involvement in illicit drug activities: "The Chinese Communist Party is actively involved—both directly and indirectly—in supporting transnational criminal organizations engaged in the importation and trafficking of fentanyl, illicit drug precursors, and other controlled substances that have significantly contributed to drug poisonings and deaths across our country."
Mike Sena, President of the NFCA, praised the bill's focus on intelligence sharing: "We applaud Representative Dale Strong for championing the SHIELD Against the CCP Act, legislation that takes critical steps to coordinate efforts in addressing the growing threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party to our homeland."
The bill's passage comes amid growing concerns over the CCP's activities within the United States, including espionage, intellectual property theft, and influence operations. A 2023 House Committee on Homeland Security hearing revealed that the CCP's theft of U.S. intellectual property amounts to billions of dollars, impacting American families significantly.
With the House's approval, the SHIELD Against CCP Act now awaits action by the Senate. If enacted, it will strengthen the nation's defenses against a range of threats associated with the CCP, reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding national security.
