[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 164 (Tuesday, September 22, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H4643-H4644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    FINDINGS OF THE CHINA TASK FORCE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from

[[Page H4644]]

Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, after too long, Americans are 
waking up to the dangers of the Chinese Communist Party. As we combat 
the economic and the health ramifications of the coronavirus, it has 
never been more important that we take on this hostile regime.
  It has been my honor to serve on the China Task Force and help expose 
the threats that the Chinese Communist Party poses to our national 
security and to the American people.
  Just yesterday, Congressman   Michael McCaul released the House 
Foreign Affairs Committee's report into the origins of the coronavirus 
pandemic. Their evidence clearly confirms that the Chinese Communists 
covered up the coronavirus, enabling a local outbreak to become a 
pandemic.
  The Chinese Communist Party knew that the coronavirus could be spread 
by human-to-human transmission, and yet this regime hid findings from 
global leaders, public health experts, and even the World Health 
Organization.
  Leaders in the Chinese Communist Party knew that this virus could be 
catastrophic, and yet they deliberately chose to cover up their 
missteps rather than sound an alarm and warn the world that this virus 
was being unleashed.
  Their lies cost American livelihoods. Their lies cost American lives. 
This pandemic's destruction could have been prevented. This didn't have 
to happen.
  Now Americans are facing a choice. If we do not act now, who will 
stop the Chinese Communist Party from simply repeating this coverup?
  Inaction is not an option. America must prevent another pandemic from 
reaching our shores.
  And our work cannot stop there. Sadly, the Chinese Government's 
malicious acts extend far beyond the coronavirus pandemic. From 
cyberattacks on American citizens and blatant overreach into our 
virtual networks, to espionage in our academic institutions and illicit 
fentanyl that kills on American streets, we cannot ignore the Chinese 
Government's pervasive threats to our Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, this is no distraction; this is reality. For the safety 
of the American people, for the future of our Nation, the Chinese 
Communist Party must be held accountable.
  For months, the China Task Force has focused on researching these 
issues and exploring legislative solutions. We are currently working on 
a final report that will detail our findings and recommend a pragmatic 
path forward. While our work on this report is coming to a close, our 
commitment to the cause will continue.
  During these busy days, I recognize that many issues are competing 
for America's time; but to be fair, these threats require our action. 
The Chinese Government's coverup of the coronavirus pandemic requires 
action. The Chinese Government's persecution of Uighurs requires 
action. The Chinese Government's monopoly of the medical supply chain 
requires action. The Chinese Government's attempts to control the 
world's network requires action.
  Despite the challenges that we are facing at home, the American 
people must stand together against the Chinese Communist Party. Our 
national security should never be a partisan issue. The health of the 
American people should never be a partisan issue. By working together, 
we can strengthen our defenses, defend human rights, spur innovation, 
and equip Americans to lead the way in global innovation.
  Moving forward, it is imperative that America continues to strengthen 
our supply chain, to pursue fair trade deals with China, and, 
ultimately, to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for its 
actions.
  Once again, it has been my privilege to serve the American people as 
a member of the China Task Force. I thank Leader McCarthy for the 
opportunity to serve, and I am grateful to Chairman   Michael McCaul 
for his leadership.
  This is a long road, but it is worth the fight. And as I always 
believe, America will win that fight.

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