Leader Schumer Floor Remarks Urging Adoption Of His Amendment To Counter The CCP

Washington, D.C. – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor on his amendment to the Republican rescissions package that would stop Republican-led cuts to critical foreign aid programs that are essential to helping the United States outcompete the Chinese Communist Party and defend American global leadership. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:

Donald Trump and Republicans always like to talk a big game when it comes to adversaries like the Chinese government but the bill they’re pushing, which slashes vital foreign aid, would be a gift to President Xi and to Vladimir Putin.

My amendment is simple: it stops Republicans from cutting funds to outcompete the Chinese Communist Party. It helps us beat the Chinese government in the race for precious critical minerals, and fights back against the Chinese government’s cyberattacks and influence campaigns. It will also stop Republicans from defunding our partners in the Indo-Pacific—often the first line of defense against Chinese government encroachment.

You cannot support this rescissions package and be serious about wanting to outcompete the CCP at every opportunity. Right now, for instance, the U.S. and CCP are racing for access to critical minerals that power the most important technologies. US development programs are critical for accessing these minerals. But Senate Republicans want to axe these vital funds and thereby hand the keys over to Beijing.

I say to my colleagues: let’s not hand over American leadership to the Chinese Communist Party, just to pay for more tax breaks for billionaires. Vote yes on my amendment.

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