Us Congress House Bill HR207

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/8/23

Caption

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit Members, officers, and employees of the House from serving on the board of directors of any entity which receives funding from, or is affiliated with or owned or controlled by, the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party, any other element of the Chinese Communist Party, or any foreign adversary, and for other purposes.

Impact

If passed, HR207 is expected to reinforce ethical standards within the House of Representatives by closing potential avenues for foreign influence. This would mean that any member affiliated with such entities would have to step down from any board positions, thereby minimizing any possible conflicts between their legislative responsibilities and private interests. The measure highlights Congress's effort to maintain a transparent and accountable governmental structure, particularly in relation to foreign relations and national security.

Summary

House Resolution 207 proposes an amendment to the Rules of the House of Representatives, specifically targeting the conflict of interest for Members, officers, and employees. The main objective of this resolution is to explicitly prohibit these individuals from serving on boards of directors of entities that receive funding from or have affiliations with the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party or any designated foreign adversary. This action aims to safeguard the legislative integrity and prevent undue influence from foreign entities on American governance.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HR207 may arise from discussions about the implications of the resolution on private-sector engagement with foreign nations. Some members may argue that the bill could unjustly limit participation in crucial global markets and inhibit valuable relationships that could benefit the U.S. economically and strategically. As discussions unfold, proponents will likely emphasize the necessity of national security, while opponents may raise concerns about overreach and implications for international collaboration.