WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) released the following statement after the Democrats in the House Rules Committee rejected the amendments he offered to hold the People’s Republic of China (PRC) accountable on the global stage and to ensure that the United States is able to counter its influence:

“Pelosi and House Democrats would have you believe that the COMPETES Act  will counter China's growing influence, but this could not be further from the truth,” Rep. Mast said.  “When I tried to ensure that the CCP is forced to take responsibility for the COVID-19 cover up, Democrats on the House Rules Committee rejected the amendments. We need to get serious about pushing back on China, but this bill falls well beyond short.” 

The amendments offered by Congressman Mast would:

• Authorize the United States to withhold payments on debts owed to China equal to the costs incurred by the United States in response to COVID-19, including several trillion dollars in spending authorized by Congress in response to the pandemic.
• Allow Americans to seek financial damages against the People’s Republic of China or any officials for physical injury, death, or economic loss brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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