June 9, 2021
2 mins read

US Senate passes bill to counter China

The bill still needs to pass the House before going to President Joe Biden’s desk….reports Asian Lite News

US Senate has passed bipartisan legislation aimed at countering China’s growing influence by investing over USD 200 billion in American technology, science and research.

The final vote was 68-32. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont was the only member of the Democratic caucus to vote against the bill. Nineteen Senate Republicans joined Democrats voting in favour of the bill, CNN reported.

The bill still needs to pass the House before going to President Joe Biden’s desk.

The sweeping legislation — called the US Innovation and Competition Act — aims to confront China’s influence on multiple fronts and “will supercharge American innovation and preserve our competitive edge for generations to come,” said Majority Leader Chuck Schumer who co-wrote the bill.

Schumer described the vote as a necessary step to keep America in the game against countries such as China, and a significant legislative accomplishment after months of behind-the-scenes talks.

The bill was delayed for a long time as Republicans significantly obstructed its passage amid frustration over getting additional amendment votes.

ALSO READ: Harris to target immigration in first foreign visit as VP

The bill builds off a Schumer last year proposal with Senator Todd Young to provide USD 120 billion for activities at the National Science Foundation, Department of Commerce, the Department of Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

It would also create a new directorate of technology and innovation at the National Science Foundation.

In addition to the Young-Schumer bill at its core, the legislation will provide USD 52 billion for semiconductor provisions, folds in a separate China-specific bill that passed out of the Foreign Relations Committee in a 21-1 vote and includes provisions cracking down on the reliance on Chinese companies and technology.

The legislation also requires that the iron, steel, manufactured products and construction materials used in federally funded infrastructure projects are produced in the United States.

The bill would also codify the Made in America office that Biden created earlier this year by executive order.

The bill calls for investing $10 billion over five years to the Department of Commerce to create regional tech hub programs, a third of which would have to be located in rural areas. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Don’t come to US, Harris tells Guatemalan migrants
Previous Story

Protest in London Over Rights Abuses at Gilgit Baltistan & POJK

Next Story

US Lawmakers urge Biden to extend more help to India

Latest from -Top News

Global Fury Over Trump’s Tariffs

Ramaphosa pushed back against the justification for the tariff, challenging the interpretation of trade data and pointing to discrepancies in the figures cited….reports Asian Lite News South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa on

India Skips UNGA Vote, Flags LeT, JeM Threat

India Urges Global Action to Prevent Terror Groups from Exploiting Afghanistan…reports Asian Lite News While abstaining from a UN General Assembly resolution on Afghanistan, India has urged the international community to ensure

BRICS Under India to Prioritise Climate, Health

Modi Sets Vision for India’s 2026 BRICS Presidency, Promising a ‘Humanity-First’ Agenda Focused on Climate Action and Global Health…reports Asian Lite News At the Rio 2025 BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Trump: Big India Deal Coming Soon

Trump Says US ‘Close to Deal with India’ Amid Fresh Global Tariffs…reports Asian Lite News In a major development on the global trade front, US President Donald Trump has announced that the

Modi’s Grand Brazil Entry

Modi Gets Grand Welcome in Brazil with Fusion of Shiva Tandava and Samba Rhythms…reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a rousing reception in Brasilia as he arrived for
Go toTop

Don't Miss

China, Philippines Hold Talks Amidst South China Sea Tensions

The South China Sea has been a longstanding point of

UK govt issues stern warning to China

Warning issued after media reports about a Chinese businessman linked