Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., a frequent critic of Saudi Arabia, introduced a joint resolution July 30 to disapprove a possible $2.8 billion military sale to the kingdom. The resolution was referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The sale, which the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced July 23, includes “follow-on logistics support and services” for defense-related hardware and parts (see 2407240002).
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., introduced several bills this week targeting human rights violations and foreign investment by China.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., introduced a bill this week aimed at countering the use of alternative financial systems by China, Russia and other "countries of concern" to evade U.S. sanctions.
A bipartisan pair of senators fleshed out a trade facilitation framework released in early June (see 2406100015) with legislative text that authorizes spending for several trade-related initiatives, including ones that would create a true single window, modernize ACE and try to reduce penalties for minor export filing errors.
To punish the Venezuelan government for trying to “steal” the country’s presidential election, the Biden administration should impose sanctions and revoke oil licenses, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said July 30. McCaul is one of several Republican lawmakers pushing for sanctions against Venezuela. Senior administration officials said this week they are considering “consequences,” including sanctions, in response to the recent election (see 2407290044).
Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., last week to schedule Senate floor consideration of the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) “in the very near future.”
The Senate Appropriations Committee unveiled an FY 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act last week that would provide $45 million for the Federal Maritime Commission, $3.5 million below the Biden administration’s request but $5 million above the FY 2024 enacted level and $2 million above the House version of the bill (see 2406260007).
Two House members introduced a bill July 25 that would require certain American public companies and investment firms to report how much business they do in China.
Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said last week he remains concerned by recent news reports showing China has found ways around U.S. export controls on advanced computing chips.
At a field hearing in Michigan, House Select Committee on China Chairman Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., and committee member Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., emphasized electric vehicle battery maker Gotion's ties to suppliers that use Uyghur forced labor, and questioned why Gotion should be allowed to open factories in their states. Gotion declined to send a representative to testify, they said.