Wagner Introduces Legislation to Hold China Accountable, Force Compensation

Statement

Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after she introduced legislation to hold China accountable for its actions during the COVID-19 outbreak:

"It is undeniable that China intentionally misrepresented and suppressed vital information that could have mitigated the spread of the coronavirus. Instead of acting in the global interest, the Chinese government took deliberate action that created the worldwide crisis we find ourselves in today.

"These reckless acts directly contributed to the deadly pandemic that has killed nearly 100,000 Americans and unleashed an economic tragedy that has impacted communities in every corner of the United States. It is not enough to just publicly rebuke the Chinese Communist Party, they must pay for the loss of life and economic injury they caused. My legislation instructs the President to reach a Bilateral Agreement on Compensation with China, freezing Chinese assets and imposing sanctions and other penalties to bring China to the negotiating table. This is an extraordinary step that is necessary to provide justice for all Americans, ensure that the Communist Party stops violating international law, and help China be a better partner in the world community."

The Compensation for Americans Act directs the President to employ a series of tools, including the following:

Freeze any necessary Chinese assets in the United States in order to reach a bilateral agreement with China

Create a public repository of Chinese assets and holdings in the United States

Impose sanctions and/or travel restrictions on:
CCP officials, associates, and family members

Chinese medical equipment and pharmaceutical suppliers that have profited from the pandemic

Chinese companies in the high-tech sector

Chinese entities involved in the theft of U.S. intellectual property

Chinese entities that participate in internet surveillance, filtration, and censorship

Establish a fund to compensate Americans for damages caused by COVID-19

Require U.S. representatives at international institutions to work to:
Remove China's "developing nation" nation status at the WTO

Remove China's eligibility for World Bank development loans

Prevent China from obtaining special treatment at the United Nations

Prohibit investment of the Thrift Savings Plan I Fund in China, ensuring that federal retirement savings are not being used to support the CCP regime

Require greater transparency from Chinese companies listed on U.S. exchanges

Instruct the President to seek a Bilateral Agreement on Compensation with China

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