U.S. House lawmakers have dropped a proposal to revive the controversial China Initiative, removing the provision from a 2026 appropriations bill after sustained opposition from Asian-American and civil rights groups.
The initiative, launched during President Donald Trump’s first term, was designed to counter economic espionage but was widely criticized for unfairly targeting Chinese-American researchers.
Advocacy groups warned that reinstating the program would deepen mistrust, fuel discrimination, and drive scientific talent away from the United States.
Asian-American organizations welcomed the decision, arguing that national security policies should be based on evidence and fairness.
More than 80 groups had urged Congress to reject the language, citing risks to American innovation and research leadership.
The Justice Department shut down the China Initiative in 2022 following failed prosecutions and backlash from the scientific community.
While the House removed the disputed provision, the broader bill still supports investments in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing to counter China’s global influence.
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TIPP Staff
Project Syndicate
