Letter Opposing House Appropriation Subcommittee’s Bill Proposing Re-establishment of ‘China Initiative’
September 9, 2025Reinstating the “China Initiative” or any iteration would be a dangerous step back.
Dear Chairman Tom Cole and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro,
As you prepare to markup the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, we the undersigned organizations urge members to strike language directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to effectively reinstate the National Security Division (NSD)’s “China Initiative” in the Joint Explanatory Statement (JES). This problematic language would direct the DOJ’s National Security Division to reestablish an office dedicated to countering espionage and influence efforts against perceived threats from the PRC. In reality, this JES provision would target scholars, scientists, and academics with any perceived connections with China. We urge our leaders to remove this section and oppose any reinstatement of the “China Initiative” or any iterations.
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