Prohibiting the distribution of Chinese Communist Party-controlled publications within House facilities, and for other purposes.

Bill Number

H.Res. 110

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Congress

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Last Updated

2025-06-05T08:06:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 110) aims to protect the integrity of U.S. House of Representatives facilities by prohibiting the distribution of publications controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It addresses concerns that such materials, like China Daily, serve as propaganda tools that could undermine U.S. institutions through foreign influence.

Key Provisions

• Prohibition on Distribution: The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the House must immediately stop accepting or distributing China Daily and other CCP-controlled publications in the House wing of the U.S. Capitol, House Office Buildings, or any other House-owned facilities.
• Ban on Internal Mail Use: House internal mail systems cannot be used to deliver these publications.
• Notification Requirement: The CAO must inform all relevant House offices about this policy change.
• Exceptions (Rule of Construction): The resolution does not prevent:
• Private receipt of these publications by House Members or employees.
• Access to them through public or research facilities (e.g., libraries open to the public).
• Collection of such materials by the Library of Congress.
• Definition of CCP-Controlled Publication: Any publication that:
• Must register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) of 1938 (a U.S. law requiring disclosure by those acting on behalf of foreign entities).
• Is owned, controlled, or directed by the CCP or its affiliates.
• Effective Date: The rules take effect immediately upon adoption of the resolution.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Currently, the CAO facilitates the distribution of certain foreign publications within House Office Buildings. This resolution ends that practice specifically for CCP-controlled materials, marking a targeted shift to restrict official handling of such items while preserving broader access to foreign media.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The House of Representatives, particularly the CAO and administrative staff, will face operational changes in managing mail and publications, potentially reducing exposure to foreign propaganda in official spaces. This could set a precedent for similar restrictions in other congressional facilities.
• On Citizens: U.S. citizens and visitors to House facilities may have less official access to these publications on-site, though private and public access remains unaffected. It indirectly limits the normalization of foreign state media in government settings.
• On International Relations: The measure signals U.S. concerns about CCP influence operations, which could heighten tensions with China. It may encourage other nations or institutions to scrutinize similar propaganda efforts but is unlikely to directly alter broader diplomatic ties.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• House of Representatives: Members, employees, and administrative offices (e.g., CAO) who rely on or interact with internal distribution systems.
• Foreign Entities: Publishers like China Daily and CCP affiliates, which lose official distribution channels in U.S. congressional spaces.
• Researchers and Public: Those using House-affiliated libraries or facilities, though their access is explicitly protected.
• Library of Congress: Unaffected in its collection role but potentially involved in broader research access.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Builds on FARA by enforcing restrictions based on registration status, ensuring compliance without creating new regulatory burdens. The exceptions safeguard against overreach in restricting information flow.
• Constitutional: Applies to government facilities, where free speech protections (under the First Amendment) are limited for official operations. It balances institutional security against access rights, avoiding broad censorship of private or public use.
• Political: Reflects bipartisan concerns (introduced by multiple Republicans) about foreign interference, potentially influencing future legislation on national security and media transparency. It underscores a congressional priority on countering state-sponsored propaganda amid U.S.-China rivalry.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham [R-AZ-8]

Cosponsors (21)

Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Taylor, David [R-OH-2], Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16], Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17], Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6], Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3], Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6], Rep. Moore, Riley M. [R-WV-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
• 2025-02-05: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Prohibiting the distribution of Chinese Communist Party-controlled publications within House facilities, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-02-05 — PDF (3 pages)