Duval Times

Today, Senator Rick Scott announced the reintroduction of the Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act. This bill aims to reinstate and codify President Trump's CCP Initiative under the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prevent espionage by the Chinese Communist Party on U.S. intellectual property and academic institutions.

Senator Rick Scott stated, "The Chinese Communist Party is one of the greatest threats to America’s national security and way of life as it seeks global domination by any means necessary. President Joe Biden recklessly ended the China Initiative that President Trump established during his first term, turning a blind eye as Communist China committed at least 60 known cases of espionage on the United States and our citizens during his administration. Now, President Trump is back in action to hold Communist China fully accountable for its exploitation of the United States. Our bill, the Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act, will bring back the successful CCP Initiative to help President Trump face this threat head-on and Make America Safe Again."

Congressman Lance Gooden expressed support for the bill: "The CCP has stolen from our businesses, infiltrated our institutions, and undermined our economy for far too long. This bill will ensure the U.S. government has the resources to expose, investigate, and prosecute those who seek to weaken America. We must act now to defend our economy and national security from China’s aggression. Congress must send a clear message: America will not tolerate the CCP’s economic sabotage."

The proposed legislation includes several key components:

- Establishment of a CCP Initiative within DOJ's National Security Division aimed at countering threats to American interests.

- Targeting trade secret theft, economic espionage, and cyberattacks by entities affiliated with the CCP.

- Strengthening enforcement of CFIUS regulations related to Chinese investments.

- Mandating collaboration between DOJ, FBI, and other federal agencies for coordinated protection efforts.

- Ensuring independent operation with dedicated resources focused on CCP-related threats.