Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) recently voiced her concerns about the growing threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to American innovation, research, and technology. Speaking at a hearing entitled "National Security Challenges: Outpacing China in Emerging Technology," Senator Britt highlighted the CCP's disregard for international commerce rules and their involvement in aiding Iran and stealing U.S. technology.

Senator Britt emphasized the urgency of addressing the ongoing economic harm caused by the CCP's actions. She called for measures to prevent the CCP from buying U.S. land, which not only affects the availability of fertile farmland for American farmers but also compromises national security by purchasing land near military installations. Senator Britt proudly joined Senator Tom Cotton in introducing the Not One More Inch or Acre Act, which aims to prevent Chinese entities from owning American land.

During the hearing, Senator Britt also discussed the need to strengthen the U.S.'s current toolbox for countering CCP's tactics. She asked Jamil Jaffer, Founder and Executive Director of the National Security Institute at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School, about the gaps in the current toolbox and how to keep up with evolving tactics and technologies. Jaffer stressed the importance of deterring China effectively and pushing back economically. He called for broader authorities and the use of more aggressive tools to protect U.S. intellectual property.

Senator Britt also expressed her concerns about the expansion of the intergovernmental organization BRICS, of which China is a founding member. She highlighted the "startling" number of countries expressing interest in joining BRICS and called for a closer examination of the consequences and potential national security implications. Jaffer agreed, stating that the U.S. has not done enough to address the strategic threat posed by China's efforts to consolidate its influence over nations.

Senator Britt has been actively using her position on the Senate Banking Committee to emphasize the importance of holding the CCP accountable and combatting their aggression. She has cosponsored several pieces of legislation aimed at addressing CCP malfeasance, such as the Cutting-off Communist Profiteers Act, Protecting America from Spies Act, and the Chinese Currency Accountability Act. In collaboration with Senator Tom Cotton, she introduced the Not One More Inch or Acre Act, which seeks to prevent Chinese entities from owning American land.

It is clear that Senator Britt remains committed to protecting American interests and ensuring that the CCP's actions do not threaten America's future.