(WASHINGTON) – Rep. Jim Banks’ leadership on tackling the China threat was recognized today when it was announced he was selected to serve on the China Task Force with 14 of his House Republican colleagues. Members of the committee represent 14 different committees of jurisdiction.
Democrats were initially working together with Republicans to form this task force, but they bailed on the project in February.
Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy announced the China Task Force Thursday morning at a press conference, explaining how the task force will serve as a clearinghouse for ideas concerning China policy. The Washington Post reports, the task force will “set priorities, pool information, coordinate approaches and devise tactics for actually getting bills passed into law.”
Banks said, “I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the China Task Force. The China threat, both economically and militarily, is the greatest existential threat the United States faces today. Tackling that threat shouldn’t be a partisan issue, but sadly Democrats are unwilling to join us in addressing it.”
McCarthy said, “From the beginning, Jim has been adamant about getting to the truth and holding China accountable for its deadly role in spreading the coronavirus to the world. He also recognizes that the stakes here are much higher than a single pandemic. Jim is a forceful advocate for policies that will make America safer and healthier now and in the future, such as ensuring the security of our medical and manufacturing supply chains. This is a turning point in our history, and I am confident that Jim has the vision and determination to help lead us to where we need to go.”
Rep. Banks sponsored a resolution in the House with 54 co-sponsors that laid out the CCP’s blame in causing the current pandemic. It was initially bipartisan as well, but Democrat leaders pressured their caucus from joining the resolution.
Members of the task force include:
- Chair: Michael McCaul (CM of Foreign Affairs)
- Jim Banks (HASC, Ed & Labor, VA)
- Darin LaHood (Ways & Means and co-chair of the bipartisan U.S.-China Working Group)
- Guy Reschenthaler (Foreign Affairs and Judiciary)
- Elise Stefanik (HPSCI, HASC, Ed & Labor)
- Andy Barr (Financial Services)
- Adam Kinzinger (Energy & Commerce and Foreign Affairs)
- Michael Waltz (HASC and SST)
- Anthony Gonzalez (SST and Financial Services)
- Mike Gallagher (HASC and T&I)
- Denver Riggleman (Financial Services)
- John Curtis (Foreign Affairs and Natural Resources)
- Liz Cheney (HASC and Natural Resources)
- John Joyce (Homeland, Small Business)
- Chris Stewart (HPSCI, Approps, Budget)
