U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) this week authored and introduced two bills that would demand greater transparency from China regarding intellectual property, manufactured goods and internet applications.
“I’m proud to introduce these two pieces of legislation and I look forward to working with my colleagues on a legislative agenda that will better protect American lives that are impacted by the disingenuous, malign behavior by the Communist Party of China and other bad actors around the world,” Rep. Kinzinger said.
The congressman on May 19 sponsored the Online Retailer Product Origin Disclosure Act, H.R. 6941, which would require both vendors and online retail marketplaces to prominently disclose product country-of-origin information, according to a congressional record summary.
The same day, Rep. Kinzinger also introduced the Internet Application Integrity and Disclosure Act, H.R. 6942, to require any person who maintains an internet website or who sells or distributes a mobile application that is owned by the Chinese Communist Party or by a non-state owned entity located in China to disclose that fact in a clear manner.
H.R. 6942 is one of 15 bills highlighted by Republican leaders in the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee in their Emerging Tech Agenda, which aims to ensure American leadership in emerging technology to beat China and other challenges to global competitiveness.
Rep. Kinzinger, who serves on the China Task Force, is increasingly concerned about the United States’ reliance on products and goods made in China.
“For too long, the Communist Party of China has encroached on the American way of life and it’s time we put a stop to it,” he said, adding that strong American leadership is critically needed for U.S. economic growth and global security.
“With our abundant resources and ingenuity, we must do more to foster this innovation in our technology and our manufacturing,” the congressman said. “We also need to ensure our networks are secure and our supply chains are strong.”
Toward such goals, Rep. Kinzinger said that requiring more transparency about the products Americans buy online will allow them to make more informed choices as they also weigh privacy and safety risks.
“It’s our duty to better inform the American public and protect them from these threats and other risks moving forward that come with these emerging technologies,” said Rep. Kinzinger.