Wagner bill designed to hold China accountable for COVID-19

(From Second District Congresswoman Ann Wagner)

Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after she introduced legislation to hold China accountable for its actions during the COVID-19 outbreak:

“China took deliberate, reckless action that allowed the coronavirus to spread, killing millions worldwide. This is not a matter up for debate, and they must be held accountable. 

" When the world should have been working together to respond to the coronavirus outbreak, China was silencing scientists who dared speak out. The Compensation for Americans Act will make sure China pays for their corrupt, unethical, and dangerous actions. 

" I introduced similar legislation last Congress, but Democrats blocked it from a vote. It’s time to pass the Compensation for Americans Act and send a message to China that the United States will not stand for such horrific acts.”

The Compensation for Americans Act directs the President to employ a series of tools, including the following:

Freeze any necessary Chinese assets in the United States in order to reach a bilateral agreement with China

Create a public repository of Chinese assets and holdings in the United States

Impose sanctions and/or travel restrictions on:

CCP officials, associates, and family members
Chinese medical equipment and pharmaceutical suppliers that have profited from the pandemic
Chinese companies in the high-tech sector
Chinese entities involved in the theft of U.S. intellectual property
Chinese entities that participate in internet surveillance, filtration, and censorship

Establish a fund to compensate America for damages caused by COVID-19

Require U.S. representatives at international institutions to work to:

Remove China’s “developing nation” nation status at the WTO

Remove China’s eligibility for World Bank development loans

Prevent China from obtaining special treatment at the United Nations

Prohibit investment of the Thrift Savings Plan I Fund in China, ensuring that federal retirement savings are not being used to support the CCP regime

Instruct the President to seek a Bilateral Agreement on Compensation with China