The legislation that Congress is on the verge of passing to enhance America’s competitiveness against China and to jump start semiconductor manufacturing in the United States with $52 billion in funding is suddenly threatened by Mitch McConnell’s threatened blockade. He won’t allow Republicans in the Senate to vote for it unless Democrats drop another bill trying, among other things, to lower drug prices.
The Chinese have made it a major priority to stop this legislation. They have asked business groups to lobby against it. They have threatened retaliation against U.S. companies if it passes. It is a major and indeed historical test of America’s national resolve. Can our democracy make decisions that enhance our ability to compete?
It would not be above the Chinese government to offer “benefits” to the Chao family it they can bring pressure to bear on McConnell and stop the legislation. McConnell’s wife is Elaine Chao, the former Transportation Secretary, Her father, James S.C. Chao, was born on the mainland and runs a shipping company headquartered in New York, but he has extensive business connections in China. Elaine Chao, while transportation secretary, was accused of trying to help promote her father’s business and reputation. The elder Chao has given money to McConnell and wife.
This set of relationships bears further examination to make sure that a piece of vital national legislation is not compromised.
