Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act of 2025

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1716, the Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act of 2025, sponsored by Representative McClain and cosponsored by Representative Sherman.

Recognizing that China is a threat to Taiwan and to democracy globally, the United States must strongly and overtly support Taiwan, in part by pushing back on China's overt provocation toward Taiwan.

As recently as last month, China flew over 70 warplanes over the Taiwan Strait, encroaching into Taiwanese territory and raising new concerns about Chinese Government aggression.

The commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command shared in his April congressional testimony that the Chinese military pressure on Taiwan has reached a ``rapid boil.''

Month after month, the Chinese Communist Party and Government further press at the edges of Taiwan's security and America's support for Taiwan.

This Congress must speak loudly about our concern about such international actions by the Chinese Government, actions that could intentionally or unintentionally lead to an escalation of China's conflict with Taiwan.

H.R. 1716, the Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act of 2025, is one sensible avenue to do so, requiring the Treasury Secretary to publish a report on and restrict senior officials of the People's Republic of China and their families from financial institutions and accounts in the United States.

The report mandated by the bill is intended to raise public awareness of hidden and corruptly gained funds that are directly or indirectly controlled by such officials--for those listed in the report, and their immediate family members.

The bill would also restrict U.S.-based financial services, intending to limit the financial options for these officials and to extend the deterrent or punitive impacts to their families.

Both actions would only occur under the bill if the President uses a never-applied--and hopefully unnecessary--clause in the Taiwan Relations Act, which would require congressional notification due to a China-led threat to ``the security or the social or economic system of the people on Taiwan and any danger to the interests of the United States arising therefrom.''

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 1716, cosponsored by my colleagues Representative McClain and Representative Sherman.

This bill supports Taiwan in combating Chinese provocations against Taiwan. This bipartisan bill proposes to restrict top officials in China from having significant transactions or engagement at American financial institutions and aims to expose hidden funds of Chinese officials if the Taiwan Relations Act congressional notification is ever triggered by a United States President.

Especially now, as China increases its forays into Taiwanese territory, the United States Congress should support stricter measures against China's Government, sending the message that we will not tolerate the next step beyond its incursions.

I support H.R. 1716 to protect global security and democracy, and I support doing more to accomplish this goal.

Mr. Speaker, I, again, urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1716) to deter Chinese aggression towards Taiwan by requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to publish a report on financial institutions and accounts connected to senior officials of the People's Republic of China, to restrict financial services for certain immediate family of such officials, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1716, the Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act of 2025.

This excellent bill, introduced by our Conference chair, Mrs. McClain, demonstrates that the United States is a vital partner in supporting Taiwan. We must remain committed to supporting Taiwan as China continues to increase its military presence across the Taiwan Strait.

The U.S. and Taiwan have maintained a firm stance against any forceful efforts to change Taiwan's status for nearly five decades. That posture is as important now as ever.

A component of the Taiwan Relations Act mandates that the President inform Congress when China makes any attempt to threaten Taiwan's national security. Once that notification is made to Congress, Conference Chair McClain's bill would require the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose the estimated illicit funds of China's top officials in Beijing.

This bill is modeled after the Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act, a bipartisan bill that I was pleased to sponsor, which became law last year.

Congresswoman McClain's bill does exactly what the title says. It seeks to deter China from making a terrible mistake and promises financial penalties for senior Chinese officials should they make the wrong decision and choose to attack Taiwan.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this excellent bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the CBO estimate on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. McClain), our Conference chair and the author of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this important bill to deter China, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, the Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act.

The United States cannot afford to be complacent in the face of growing Chinese aggression. As a proud Representative from the State of Michigan, a State that knows the value of manufacturing, trade, and international stability, I know firsthand how vital peace in the Indo- Pacific is to American jobs and our economy.

Taiwan is not only a democratic partner. It is also a key player in the global supply chain, especially for semiconductors that power everything from our cars to our national defense system.

This bill sends a clear and bipartisan message: If the CCP wages war against Taiwan, there will be consequences. We are talking real, targeted consequences for corrupt CCP elite. Their financial dealings and offshore accounts will be exposed and published for the Chinese people to see.

We are not provoking conflict. We are actually working to prevent it. Deterrence is strongest when it is credible, and right now, credibility means passing this bill.

The Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act is not just about Taiwan. It is about standing up for American values, protecting American interests, and preserving peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important legislation that I was proud to introduce. Let's show the world that the United States stands firm against Communist aggression and alongside our allies.