Quigley Statement on New Select Committee to Investigate China

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence since 2015, released the following statement after voting against the creation of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and China:

"The cardinal rule in politics is that if you're explaining, you're in trouble. Nonetheless, some things are so nuanced and important that they necessitate explanation.

"Today, I voted against the creation of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and China. Republican leadership claims that this committee will investigate the Chinese Communist Party's economic, technical, and security competition with the United States but I have deep concerns about this Committee being weaponized - whether intentionally or unintentionally - to inflame anti-Asian sentiment and demonize the entire Chinese people.

"Make no mistake, I am well aware from my years on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence that the Chinese Communist Party poses numerous legitimate threats to our country and to the world. They are guilty of egregious human rights violations against their own people, stealing intellectual property from U.S. companies, escalatory military activity against U.S. allies, and counter operations against U.S. intelligence. Not to mention their support for fellow authoritarian regimes around the world, in strict contrast to democracies like our own. The American government can and should investigate all of these threats, just as we would any other country's, to ensure we are prepared to compete with China now and in the future.

"Here in Congress, I believe that existing Congressional Committees are already equipped to complete these investigations in a balanced way, without veering into the xenophobia embraced by too many members of today's GOP. The CCP is not the only government that poses a threat to our national and economic security. By singling them out, we run the risk of overlooking or underestimating other emerging powers.

"We live in a complicated world. The problems we face necessitate thoughtful action without feeding into our worst instincts. Our future is, for better or for worse, inextricably intertwined with the future of China. It does all of us a disservice to approach that relationship without respect for its complex nature."