The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) would be prevented from interfering in the United States supply chain under legislation sponsored on July 19 by U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA).

“We cannot trust the Chinese Communist Party, which routinely violates international norms related to human rights, intellectual property and environmental standards,” Rep. Steel said. “Our supply chains are already stretched thin, and we can’t risk the CCP stealing logistics information that could have massive implications on private companies and our national security.” 

H.R. 8431 would prevent federal agencies and contractors from using Chinese-based LOGINK, a shipping logistics and data platform that collects information from users at ports around the world, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Steel’s staff, which notes that LOGINK collects real-time updates from its users that others on the platform are able to see and share. 

“Passing the NDAA with my amendment to prevent the CCP from disrupting our military’s navigational integrity was an important step in countering their increasing hostility towards free and sovereign nations around the world,” said Rep. Steel, referring to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, H.R. 7900, which the U.S. House of Representatives approved on July 14.

The larger legislative package is being reconciled now with the U.S. Senate, which passed its own version of the annual defense package earlier this year.

“Now we must pass this legislation [H.R. 8431] and bring that same level of security to the entire federal government,” the congresswoman added.

Rep. Steel’s proposed bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee.

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