Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has introduced the CCP Lobbying Divestment Act, aiming to address the conflicts of interest arising from lobbying firms representing both Chinese companies with ties to the People’s Liberation Army and American defense contractors. The proposed bill would require contractors with defense contracts to dismiss any lobbyists working for Chinese military companies and human-rights abusers.

In a statement regarding the bill, Senator Rubio emphasized the importance of ending the conflict of interest present in many lobbying firms. He stated, "My CCP Lobbying Divestment Act would end this clear conflict of interest. It mandates that companies make a definitive choice: either work with U.S. government contractors or support Chinese government entities, but you cannot do both."

The bill seeks to force lobbying firms to make a decision between receiving funds from Communist China or representing American companies with Department of Defense contracts. By doing so, it aims to prevent the potential misuse of privileged information that could compromise America's national security interests.

This move by Senator Rubio comes in light of concerns regarding lobbying practices and the need to mitigate any influence that Chinese entities may have on American policies and national security decisions.