H.R. 9093: Build Responsible Infrastructure Development for the Global Economy Act

The proposed legislation, known as the Build Responsible Infrastructure Development for the Global Economy Act (or BRIDGE Act), aims to address concerns regarding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) implemented by the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The bill highlights the need for the United States to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter China's expanding influence through this initiative, which the bill suggests could undermine U.S. interests and the existing international order led by the U.S.

Key Findings

• The BRI is a global infrastructure development program launched by China to connect various regions and establish a Sinocentric world order.
• It poses both immediate and long-term risks to U.S. national security and international influence, potentially pulling countries into China's geopolitical sphere.
• Past efforts by the U.S. to counter the BRI have been fragmented and lack a cohesive government-wide strategy.
• There is a recognition of the need for the U.S. government to take the BRI seriously and formulate a coherent policy to counter it.

Policy Statement

The bill asserts that the U.S. should actively work to counter the PRC and CCP's efforts to create an integrated economic and political order that threatens U.S. national security and foreign policy.

Requirements for Reporting and Strategy Development

The legislation mandates two significant reports:

• A report within 180 days of enactment, prepared by the Secretary of State in coordination with other relevant departments, detailing:
• The scope of China's efforts with the BRI to challenge the U.S.-led world order.
• The objectives of the BRI and its aim to establish alternative organizations centered around China's leadership.
• An assessment of current U.S. strategies to counter the BRI.
• A comprehensive strategy for U.S. agencies to counteract the BRI, which includes:
• Descriptions of interagency efforts and recommendations for improving U.S. economic competition.
• An assessment of past U.S. responses to the BRI and identification of gaps in policy.
• A timeline for executing this strategy.
• A roadmap aligning this strategy with greater national security objectives.
• A plan to coordinate with allies to effectively respond to the BRI, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
• An implementation plan within one year after the law is enacted, with elements including:
• Clear metrics and goals for the strategy.
• Monitoring and evaluation plans to track progress.
• A commitment to align U.S. foreign policy goals with providing a positive vision for shared economic growth in an open international order.

Report Format and Oversight

The reports are required to be delivered in unclassified form, although a classified annex may be included if necessary. The unclassified version will be made available to the public.

Relevant Companies

• None found