The Department of Homeland Security’s Trade and Economic Security Council Act of 2021 has been unanimously voted out of committee and now goes to a vote in the U.S. House.
U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, authored the bill. It addresses finding in a 2020 Homeland Security Advisory Council report highlighting China’s economic threats. At its core, the bill is designed to identify concentrated economic risks. The Grand Rapids Republican says it sets priorities and coordinates a response to matters of economic security including technologies and supply chains.
“To keep the civilian-side of our economy functioning in a time of crisis, Congress should institutionalize a political-level official who would reside in the Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans to conduct day to day policy coordination.”
Meijer recommends the creation of an Assistant Secretary for Trade and Economic Security with in the office. The bill further creates a council for identifying concentrated economic risks and coordinates action.
