Senate Takes Up Defense Bill with Romney Measures to Counter China's Abuses, Support Afghan Partners & Bolster Hill Air Force Base

Statement

The Senate this week is considering the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 with key amendments offered by U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) to counter China's aggression and human rights abuses--including a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics--support our Afghan partners following the United States' disastrous withdrawal, and bolster Utah's Hill Air Force Base in its work to support our national security.

"We must take decisive action to confront China's growing aggression and dissuade them from pursuing a predatory path around the world," Senator Romney said. "The amendments I have offered to this year's defense bill would require the United States to develop a unified, strategic approach to China and condemn their ongoing human rights abuses, while continuing to strengthen relationships with our allies and partners around the world."

"It is unacceptable for China to have the honor of hosting the Olympics while the Chinese Communist Party commits genocide against the Uyghur people," Romney continued. "I have offered a measure that would implement a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games--which are set to commence in less than three months--to send a strong message to the Chinese Communist Party while safeguarding the dreams and hard work of U.S. athletes."

"The withdrawal from Afghanistan was nothing short of a humanitarian and foreign policy disaster, and we must continue to prioritize our Afghan friends and partners who aided evacuation efforts and supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan," Romney continued. "I am also offering measures to support the role Utah plays in U.S. national security--including the central role Hill Air Force Base plays in bolstering the U.S. nuclear deterrent."

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