House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul recently delivered remarks at a full committee markup, discussing bills aimed at restricting the flow of critical technologies to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and authorizing the expansion of the Starr-Camargo Bridge near Rio Grande City, Texas.

During the markup, several bills were offered to amend the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 and prevent the continued flow of American national security technologies to the CCP. Chairman McCaul emphasized the threat posed by the CCP to national security and the ongoing economic espionage conducted by China. He stated, "The CCP poses a direct threat to our national security. Each year, China steals upwards of 600 billion dollars’ worth of American technology and the [Federal Bureau of Investigation] opens a new case on CCP economic espionage every 12 hours. … It is well past time that we modernize the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to stay ahead of our adversaries."

Chairman McCaul highlighted the importance of modernizing the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to address the evolving challenges posed by China. The bills introduced aim to strengthen the interagency dispute resolution process, establish clearer policies, and review the imposition of sanctions on individuals or entities involved in CCP-related activities. These measures are crucial to prevent the continued flow of American national security technologies to the CCP.

Moving on to the infrastructure bill, H.R. 3569, Chairman McCaul discussed its significance in enabling the expansion of the Starr-Camargo Bridge. This bridge serves as a major channel for U.S.-Mexico trade and plays a vital role in bilateral commerce. The authorization of the expansion will allow the Starr-Camargo Bridge Company to use tolls collected on the bridge to fund its improvement and expansion. Chairman McCaul emphasized the importance of critical infrastructure, stating, "The expansion of critical infrastructure is essential to keep goods and services flowing. … Its expansion will increase international commerce and trade, lowering the cost of goods for American families. … No taxpayer funds will be utilized in the improvement process."

The expansion of the Starr-Camargo Bridge will not only facilitate the movement of goods but also contribute to the growth of international commerce, benefiting both the United States and Mexico. This project is of great importance to the region and will enhance trade and economic cooperation.

Chairman McCaul's remarks underline the urgent need to address national security concerns and invest in critical infrastructure. The bills discussed during the full committee markup represent important steps in safeguarding American technology and promoting bilateral trade. As Chairman McCaul stated, "It is well past time that we modernize the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to stay ahead of our adversaries." The expansion of the Starr-Camargo Bridge is equally crucial in supporting the flow of goods and services and enhancing international commerce.

To find out more, go to this link: https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/press-release/chairman-mccaul-delivers-remarks-on-national-security-and-infrastructure-bills-at-full-committee-markup/