A resolution condemning the use by the People's Republic of China of a high-altitude surveillance balloon over the territory of the United States as a brazen violation of United States sovereignty.
Impact
If implemented as a policy directive, SR66 could lead to increased scrutiny and responsive measures against foreign aerial surveillance within U.S. airspace. This includes a comprehensive analysis and timeline of the February 2023 incident, assessments of collected surveillance data, and a report on diplomatic communications between U.S. officials and the PRC. The resolution mandates ongoing updates to Congress regarding these developments, thus aiming to enhance U.S. awareness and preparedness regarding national airspace protection.
Summary
Senate Resolution 66 (SR66) addresses the use of a high-altitude surveillance balloon by the People's Republic of China (PRC) that was tracked over the territory of the United States in early February 2023. This act is condemned as a significant infringement on U.S. sovereignty. The resolution expresses that the PRC's actions, including false claims regarding the balloon's intent, pose a direct threat to the national security interests of the United States. It emphasizes that the resolution should serve as a clear policy statement to deter future aerial surveillance violations from foreign entities, particularly those associated with the CCP.
Contention
The resolution outlines the necessity for the U.S. to address the rise in intelligence collection threats from the PRC, which has become more pronounced in recent years. There is an acknowledgment of the historical context wherein the Chinese Communist Party has engaged in extensive espionage and surveillance campaigns against the U.S. This has generated bipartisan concern regarding U.S. sovereignty and security. Therefore, SR66 not only serves as a condemnation of the specific incident but also calls for sustained action against similar practices in the future, which may spark discussions around adjustments in U.S. military and intelligence policies.
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