House Democrats lobby against China committee
Some Democrats are encouraging leaders to scrap the House’s Select Committee on China once their party takes over next year.
Some Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee are lobbying against the Select Committee on China if their party secures control next year. Rep. Ami Bera, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs subcommittee, argued that the committee's work could be handled by the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that the committee will follow the incoming speaker's decision on the China select committee, noting that the Foreign Affairs Committee is well-equipped to oversee China policy. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who would have the final say on select panel compositions as speaker, said he would discuss the issue with incoming committee leaders.
Some Democrats are also considering broadening the committee's focus if it is retained. Opposition to dismantling the committee stems from concerns about its political implications and overlapping jurisdictions with other committees. At least five groups have urged leaders to reauthorize the committee for the next Congress.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
