Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has reintroduced legislation aimed at preventing federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, from engaging with consulting firms that have ties to the Chinese government or its affiliates. The proposed bill, known as the Time to Choose Act, seeks to compel these firms to decide between maintaining contracts with the U.S. government or working with China.

The legislation previously passed through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with bipartisan support during the 118th Congress. Senator Gary Peters and Senator Rick Scott are among its original cosponsors.

Senator Hawley expressed concerns about companies benefiting from U.S. government contracts while allegedly compromising national security by aiding China's interests. "For too long, these companies have basked in the financial security of government contracts while actively undermining our own national security," said Hawley.

Senator Peters highlighted the threat posed by China's actions against U.S. interests and emphasized the need for protective measures: "The Chinese Communist Party is actively working to undermine our country at every turn."

Senator Scott underscored the conflict of interest involved when firms choose to support China's interests over those of America: "Any firm who wants to help, support or represent Communist China’s best interests clearly is choosing to work against America’s best interests."

The Time to Choose Act outlines specific prohibitions and penalties for consulting firms engaged in contracts with foreign adversaries like China. These include barring such firms from future federal work and imposing financial penalties for misrepresentation.