The Senate’s ‘Strategic Competition Act’ Would Harm American Interests

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jessica Rosenblum, Quincy Institute, 202.800.4662/[email protected]

WASHINGTON, DC — The Quincy Institute has deep concerns regarding Division C of S. 1260, the “United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021,” passed by the U.S. Senate today in a 68-32 vote. 

Division C, also known as the ‘Strategic Competition Act’ or SCA, contains multiple provisions and pervasive language that would threaten international peace and stability, endanger essential diplomatic flexibility, undermine international cooperation, and exacerbate anti-Asian racism in America. 

By provoking needless and counterproductive conflict, many provisions would make it harder, not easier, to address the very real issues of concern in our relationship with China and Chinese actions in areas ranging from human rights to international trade to support of our allies in the Asia-Pacific region.

As S. 1260 moves to the House, the flaws in the SCA should be addressed. We are encouraged that H.R.3524, the Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement Act  (EAGLE Act) introduced by Chairman Meeks of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, does not include many of the most problematic elements of the Strategic Competition Act.