East Michigan News

Chairman John Moolenaar, a Republican from Michigan and head of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, is set to introduce the Economic Security and Diplomacy Act of 2024. This legislation aims to streamline efforts within the State Department to protect U.S. economic security interests in light of increasing threats from adversaries such as China.

The current structure of the State Department lacks coordination in addressing economic and technology issues posed by the Chinese Communist Party. The bill proposes consolidating these efforts under a newly created position, Deputy Secretary for Economic Security. This role will oversee export controls, supply chain security, sanctions, investment screening, and other related responsibilities.

Additionally, the bill introduces an "Economic Security Officer Program," which will deploy U.S. diplomats to key international capitals with a focus on promoting policies that safeguard U.S. and allied economic security interests. By streamlining existing offices within the State Department, the aim is to create a more efficient bureaucracy serving American citizens.

Chairman Moolenaar stated, "Economic security is national security, and control of supply chains and emerging technologies will shape the future. By creating a new Deputy Secretary for Economic Security, Congress will ensure our diplomats are able to advocate for U.S. economic interests in the 21st century."