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FIRST ON FOX: Freshman GOP Congressman Abe Hamadeh has introduced his inaugural piece of legislation aimed at countering the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Congress. Representing Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, Hamadeh’s bill seeks to prohibit the distribution of China Daily and other CCP-affiliated publications within House facilities.
Hamadeh, who assumed office last month, expressed deep concerns about foreign propaganda infiltrating American politics. In an interview with Fox News Digital, he elaborated on his motivations for introducing this legislation.
Unacceptable Propaganda in Congress
Upon entering his office for the first time, Hamadeh found various newspapers on his desk, including prominent publications such as the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal. However, he was taken aback to find China Daily among them. “I looked at it and thought, ‘Why do we get the China Daily?’” Hamadeh stated. He quickly discovered that the publication is a registered foreign agent owned by the Chinese government.
“It was my first welcome to Congress, and I couldn’t understand why foreign propaganda was distributed freely using our internal mail system,” he remarked. Hamadeh is determined to ensure that the halls of Congress remain free from such influences.
Legislation Details
The proposed legislation instructs the Chief Administrative Officer of the House to immediately cease the distribution of materials produced by state-run media from the CCP. Furthermore, it seeks to restrict these materials from being disseminated via House email but allows Congress members private access should they choose.
Hamadeh emphasized the strategic purpose behind such propaganda campaigns by China. He explained, “The reason why the Chinese are doing it is that they know they can influence members of Congress and their staff. On Capitol Hill, many young staffers might not realize that such publications are owned by a foreign adversary.”
Information Warfare in Action
Hamadeh pointed out that the Chinese government’s actions reflect a form of information warfare. He believes they aim to influence critical decision-makers within the U.S. government. “It’s unacceptable,” he stated emphatically.
The media outlet China Daily has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years, especially from conservative lawmakers. Notably, Senator Marco Rubio has been vocal about the need for U.S. media outlets to sever ties with the publication due to its ties to the CCP. Rubio contended that China Daily’s objective is to undermine U.S. news media by promoting the goals of the Communist Party.
Seeking Bipartisan Support
With this legislation, Hamadeh hopes to garner bipartisan support. He believes it’s essential to take a stand against foreign influences in American politics. “I want a vote on the record to gauge how other members of Congress feel about having a foreign publication like China Daily circulated in their offices,” he stated.
Hamadeh clarified that he’s not seeking to prevent members of Congress from reading China Daily if they choose to do so privately. “If they want to pay for a subscription, that’s fine. But passing it around at taxpayer expense is not acceptable,” he emphasized.
Broader Implications
Hamadeh underscored the broader context of Chinese influence in various sectors, stressing that his bill represents just the beginning. He noted ongoing state and federal legislative efforts aimed at limiting Chinese investments in critical infrastructure and agriculture.
“We understand that Communist China poses a threat,” Hamadeh asserted, drawing attention to the shifts in his own district, where Taiwanese companies have relocated to avoid Chinese dominance.
This proposed legislation marks a significant step in Hamadeh’s congressional career, as he seeks to address what he views as an urgent concern in American political discourse.
