Freshman GOP Congressman Abe Hamadeh has introduced his first piece of legislation aimed at combating the Chinese communist government’s influence in the halls of Congress. The bill, introduced by Hamadeh, who represents Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, seeks to prohibit China Daily and other CCP-backed publications from House facilities.
Hamadeh expressed his concerns about the presence of China Daily in Congress, stating that it is a Chinese communist-owned newspaper registered as a foreign agent. He emphasized that distributing foreign propaganda in the halls of Congress is unacceptable and could potentially influence members and their staff.
The proposed legislation calls for the Chief Administrative Officer of the House to cease the distribution of CCP state-run media material and restrict its spread via House email. However, members would still have the option to access the materials privately if they choose to do so.
Hamadeh highlighted the information warfare tactics employed by the Chinese government, noting that distributing China Daily for free is part of their strategy to influence the highest levels of the U.S. government. He emphasized the need to address this issue and prevent foreign propaganda from circulating within Congress.
China Daily has faced criticism from conservatives, including former GOP Senator Marco Rubio, who accused the newspaper of amplifying the goals of the CCP to subvert U.S. news media. Rubio called for mainstream media CEOs to sever ties with China Daily, citing its dissemination of misleading information.
Hamadeh expressed his desire for bipartisan support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of removing foreign propaganda from Congress. He drew parallels to actions taken by the Biden administration, such as removing the New York Post from the White House, and questioned why China Daily continues to operate freely in Congress.
Hamadeh underscored the threat posed by communist China and highlighted efforts at both the state and federal levels to counter Chinese influence. He mentioned initiatives aimed at restricting Chinese acquisitions of U.S. farmlands and properties near key assets like military bases as part of a broader strategy to safeguard national interests.
The introduction of this legislation reflects ongoing concerns about foreign influence in U.S. institutions and underscores the need to address the dissemination of propaganda within Congress.
