Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act
Sen. Risch Leads Bipartisan Bill to Create Sanctions Plan if China Attacks Taiwan
This bill has been approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is now waiting for a vote by the full Senate. It is currently placed on the legislative calendar and is actively moving through the process. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
This bill has strong bipartisan support from leaders on the Foreign Relations Committee and addresses a major national security priority.
Key Points
- The bill creates a PRC Sanctions Task Force, led by the State Department and Treasury Department, to identify Chinese military and civilian entities that could be hit with sanctions if China tries to take control of Taiwan by force, blockade, or cyberattack.
From policy text
“the Coordinator for Sanctions of the Department of State and the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence and the heads of other Federal agencies, as appropriate, shall establish an interagency task force to identify military and non-military entities that could be subject to sanctions”
View in full text - The task force must brief Congress on a strategy covering a wide range of sectors in China's economy, including shipping, energy, aviation, and technology, and coordinate with U.S. allies to maximize the economic pressure on China while limiting fallout for the U.S. and its partners.
From policy text
“identify any foreign military or non-military entities that would likely be used to achieve the outcomes specified in section 2, including entities in the shipping, logistics, energy (including oil and gas), maritime, aviation, ground transportation, and technology sectors”
View in full text - The bill explicitly does not impose any sanctions on its own. It is a planning tool, and any actual sanctions would need to be authorized separately by Congress or existing law.
From policy text
“None of the sanctions identified or recommended pursuant to this Act are self-executing. Any such sanctions may only be imposed on an entity if they are explicitly authorized under-- (1) a Federal law that was in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act; or (2) an Act of Congress that is enacted after the date of the enactment of this Act.”
View in full text - A key part of the strategy involves analyzing how sanctions could hurt the U.S. economy and global financial system, and finding ways to limit that damage through licenses, exemptions, and other approaches.
From policy text
“assess measures that could be taken to mitigate the consequences referred to in paragraph (3), including through the use of licenses, exemptions, carve-outs, and other approaches”
View in full text - The bill reaffirms the U.S. One China policy and states that any attempt by China to resolve Taiwan's status through force or coercion goes against U.S. interests. It frames the task force as a complement to broader U.S. deterrence strategy, not a departure from existing policy.
From policy text
“Nothing in this Act may be construed as a change to the One China Policy of the United States, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), the three United States-People's Republic of China Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances.”
View in full text
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Milestones
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 245.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
8 articlesUS senator to propose bill to deter Beijing
Senator Jim Risch introduced the 'Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act,' which would create a State and Treasury Department-led task force to identify Chinese military and non-military targets for sanctions and export controls to be deployed rapidly in the event of aggression against Taiwan.
U.S. senator introduces bill to deter PRC aggression, defend Taiwan
The bill would create an interagency 'China Sanctions Task Force,' or 'Tiger Team,' led by the State and Treasury departments to identify Chinese targets for potential sanctions and economic measures. It calls for immediate sanctions if China attempts a naval blockade or major cyberattacks.
Senior US senator wants to boost pressure on China over Taiwan
Republican Senator Jim Risch's proposed legislation aims to ensure America is prepared to 'hit China where it hurts' by pre-identifying economic targets. The bill draws lessons from the challenges faced in sanctioning Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act
Data Sources
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