Us Congress House Bill HB1151

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/23
• Refer: 2/24/23
• Report Pass: 2/28/23
• Engrossed: 4/18/23

Caption

Upholding Sovereignty of Airspace Act USA Act

Impact

If enacted, HB1151 would lead to the evaluation and potential imposition of export controls relating to items used by the PRC's surveillance programs. This would include a comprehensive report to Congress regarding such measures, promoting national security by preventing unauthorized surveillance activities. This bill marks a significant policy step against China, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to confront foreign surveillance threats and enhancing cooperation with allies to address similar violations globally.

Summary

House Bill 1151, known as the 'Upholding Sovereignty of Airspace Act' or 'USA Act,' is a legislative response to the violations of United States airspace by high-altitude surveillance balloons operated by the People's Republic of China (PRC). The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining U.S. sovereignty in airspace and seeks to hold China accountable for its surveillance activities. It outlines a legislative framework for assessing and imposing export controls related to aerospace technologies and implements sanctions on Chinese individuals deemed responsible for overseeing these surveillance operations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB1151 appears to be largely supportive among House members, as indicated by its strong passage with a vote of 404 to 6. Proponents argue that the bill is crucial for maintaining national security and defending U.S. sovereignty against foreign threats. However, there are concerns regarding the implications for diplomatic relations and cooperation with China, as continued sanctions may escalate tensions between the two nations, raising debates around the balance between security measures and fostering international dialogue.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB1151 include the implications of imposing sanctions and export controls, potentially leading to diplomatic fallout with China. Critics argue that, while necessary, such actions must be weighed against possible retaliatory measures from China that could further deteriorate bilateral relations. Additionally, the bill’s intended path of multi-national coordination raises questions about the effectiveness and feasibility of driving a unified international response against China's surveillance activities.