BRIDGE Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9093
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-02: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-26T14:37:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This bill directs the U.S. government to produce a detailed report assessing the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Chinese Communist Party (CCP) use of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to challenge the existing U.S.-led international system. It also requires a coordinated strategy to counter the BRI and an implementation plan with measurable goals.
Key Provisions
- Findings: The legislation outlines that the BRI is a long-term PRC strategy to build infrastructure projects worldwide, aiming to create a China-centered order. It notes risks to U.S. security and influence, examples of debt issues in countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and the absence of a unified U.S. response.
- Statement of Policy: The United States will actively counter PRC and CCP efforts to build an alternative economic and political order.
- Report Requirement (due 180 days after enactment): The Secretary of State, working with the Secretary of Commerce, the head of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and other agencies, must submit a report covering:
- The scope of BRI efforts to undermine the U.S.-led order.
- PRC objectives in creating parallel organizations.
- Current U.S. tools and their effectiveness.
- A detailed strategy for coordination among the Department of State, DFC, and Commerce, including interagency efforts, past gaps, a timeline, links to national security strategies, and coordination with allies in the Indo-Pacific.
- Implementation Plan (due one year after enactment): This must include program metrics, monitoring methods, and steps to advance U.S. foreign policy goals in the Indo-Pacific through a positive vision of open economic growth.
- Form and Submission: The report is unclassified (with a possible classified annex) and must be posted publicly. It goes to specific congressional committees in both chambers.
- Definitions: Clarifies BRI as the CCP's Belt and Road Initiative, CCP as the Chinese Communist Party, and PRC/China as the People's Republic of China.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces new mandatory reporting and planning requirements rather than amending existing statutes. It builds on prior measures like the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and DFC reauthorization by mandating a single, integrated government-wide strategy that does not currently exist.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Requires interagency coordination among State, Commerce, DFC, and others, shifting some foreign assistance functions and creating new accountability timelines.
- Citizens and Economy: Aims to protect U.S. economic and national security interests by limiting PRC influence in key regions.
- International Relations: Encourages closer alignment with allies and partners, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, while directly addressing PRC actions; could influence how other nations view BRI projects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Congress (oversight role via specified committees).
- Executive branch agencies (State, Commerce, DFC, and related entities).
- U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific and elsewhere.
- Countries participating in BRI projects.
- PRC and CCP as the primary focus of the counter-strategy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill reinforces congressional authority over foreign policy by requiring regular reporting and strategy development from the executive branch. It operates within existing constitutional powers for national security and international affairs without raising new legal conflicts. Politically, it formalizes a competitive stance toward the PRC while promoting coordinated responses with democratic partners.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-02: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-06-02: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-02: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Build Responsible Infrastructure Development for the Global Economy Act — issued 2026-06-02 — PDF (8 pages)