U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs

07/15/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/15/2021 14:21

Chair Meeks Issues Statement on EAGLE Act Passage

Washington, DC - Today, Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement following the passage of H.R. 3524, the Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement (EAGLE) Act out of committee:

'The EAGLE Act that passed out of committee today is comprehensive legislation which addresses the challenges posed by China, not only to the United States, but to the international rules-based system and global economy. As its title states, this bill ensures that America will once again lead on the world stage, strengthening our alliances, and expanding our diplomatic and economic footprint across the world to out-compete China.

'Leadership guided by American values is central to the EAGLE Act, including the most robust provisions to date for responding to the PRC's genocide of Uyghurs, and bolstering our diplomatic, security and economic ties with Taiwan. It provides temporary protected status and asylum to Hong Kongers, who have seen their autonomy destroyed by the Chinese government. The EAGLE Act ensures that we do not get left behind economically in the green energy space, addressing the climate crisis by marshaling multilateral pressure to hold China, the largest emitter of greenhouse gasses, accountable, and provide alternatives to the Belt and Road Initiative.

'While we were not able to reach a bipartisan compromise on the bill, there were several bipartisan measures included, and we incorporated many Republican amendments into the final package. I look forward to working with leadership toward swift action and seeing this important bill signed into law.'

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