Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), released the following statement after voting against the Democrats’ partisan America COMPETES Act that, in all reality, will have America conceding to China.
“China’s track record of undermining the United States spans decades,” said Burgess. “So why would Congress even consider a bill that is full of potential handouts to our adversary? Instead of countering China, this legislation allows federal dollars to go towards dangerous Gain of Function research that makes pathogens more infectious, with no prohibition on that research being conducted in China. Further, this legislation provides $8 billion to the United Nations’ Green Climate Fund, a fund that has previously awarded $100 million directly to China. You do not hold entities accountable by continuing to provide funding opportunities for manipulative behavior.
“This legislation was done without any consultation with the House Minority. Republican Members were given no warning about when their amendments would be debated and were voted down unceremoniously on the House floor without warning. I could not even advocate, let alone debate, the five amendments I offered in the House. That is not how our government should work.
“I know that my fellow Republican Members put critical thought into each of their amendments. I put forward amendments that would stop an unnecessary new immigration program, provide oversight into possible abuses by agencies in overpaying unaccountable bureaucrats, and prohibit tax dollars from paying for masks ‘Made in China.’
This bill is just one more messaging stunt for the House Majority. Americans are over the theatrics. Americans want results, not another political talking point. It appears that the Majority is more concerned about politics over policy and partisan priorities over protecting the American people.”
