Sens. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and John Curtis, R-Utah, introduced a bill May 14 that would require the president to determine whether certain judges and other officials in Hong Kong violated human rights and should face sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act or the Hong Kong Autonomy Act.
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., introduced a bill May 15 that would put China’s Institute of Forensic Science (IFS) back on the Bureau of Industry and Security’s Entity List.
To deter an invasion of Taiwan, the U.S. government should make it clear it will inflict “economic pain” on China if Beijing launches an attack, a researcher told the House Select Committee on China May 15.
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., announced May 15 that he has introduced joint resolutions of disapproval aimed at blocking $3.5 billion in arms sales to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. He cited ethical concerns about President Donald Trump's ties to both countries.
A bipartisan group of eight House members May 15 introduced a companion to a Senate bill that would require export-controlled advanced computing chips to contain location verification mechanisms. The legislation is intended to prevent the diversion of chips to “adversaries” such as China.
Trade groups representing three strong exporting sectors -- soybeans, semiconductors and medical devices -- and an expert in critical minerals trade all told the Senate Finance Committee that higher tariffs on all countries and products, and constantly changing tariff policy, aren't good for American competitiveness.
Washington state punches above its weight in goods exports, and exported $57.8 billion worth of goods in 2024, including $40.7 billion in manufactured products. Some 45% of those manufactured exports are Boeing planes and aerospace parts.
Sens. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., and Chris Coons, D-Del., introduced a bill May 13 aimed at speeding up arms shipments to Taiwan to help the country defend itself against China.
Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., announced May 14 that he has reintroduced a bill that would bar federally funded private companies, as well as U.S. government agencies and federally funded universities, from conducting research with Chinese military-linked entities on such sensitive technologies as AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, quantum computing and aerospace. The Preventing PLA Acquisition of U.S. Technology Act would also require the Defense Department to maintain a public list of restricted Chinese entities and technologies. Then-Rep. Banks and then-Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., previously reintroduced the bill in the last Congress.
The Senate Commerce Committee voted 17-11 May 14 to approve former Energy Department official Paul Dabbar to be deputy commerce secretary, sending his nomination to the full Senate for its consideration. Asked in written questions whether he would ensure the Bureau of Industry and Security has the resources necessary to do its job, Dabbar said he would ensure the Commerce Department, including BIS, “completes its mission.” He also said he would work to "tighten export controls on critical and emerging technologies."