House Passes Bill to Sanction Chinese Leaders

The House voted 243-174 late Sept. 25 to approve a bill that would impose property-blocking sanctions on Chinese Communist Party leaders for committing human rights abuses, harassing Taiwan or undermining Hong Kong's autonomy.

Voting for the Sanctioning Tyrannical and Oppressive People within the Chinese Communist Party (STOP CCP) Act were 210 Republicans and 33 Democrats. Two Republicans and 172 Democrats opposed.

Proponents argued the measure would deter repression by holding Chinese officials personally accountable for their activities (see [Ref:2403210076’). Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., who introduced the legislation, said Congress should send a message that China's objectionable behavior "will no longer be tolerated."

The Biden administration opposes the measure, saying it "would likely cut off any channels of communication between our two governments" while having "virtually no discernible impact" on China's approach to human rights or Taiwan.

The legislation faces an uncertain future in the Democrat-controlled Senate.