BRIDGE Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5]
- Committees
- Foreign Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 2, 2026
Bottom line
The 'BRIDGE Act' requires the US government to develop and implement a unified, interagency strategy to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative, which is identified as a threat to US national security and global influence.
What it actually does
This bill mandates that the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, the CEO of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and other relevant federal agencies, submit a comprehensive report. This report must detail the scope of efforts by the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to use the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to undermine the United States-led international order. Additionally, the bill requires the development of a detailed, government-wide strategy to counter the BRI, followed by an implementation plan for that strategy.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that a unified, government-wide strategy is urgently needed to address the comprehensive and long-term risks posed by China's Belt and Road Initiative. They contend that the BRI is a vehicle for the CCP to establish a Sinocentric world order based on an authoritarian model, directly threatening US national security, economic security, and international influence. Proponents emphasize that while the US has taken some steps, a coherent, integrated strategy is essential to effectively counter China's growing economic and political scope, especially given past BRI failures and successful allied coordination in reversing BRI accession.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent to counter China's influence is valid, mandating another report and strategy could lead to bureaucratic redundancy or divert resources from more direct, impactful investments and diplomatic engagements. They might also contend that framing the BRI solely as an 'undermining' effort could unnecessarily escalate tensions with China and potentially alienate countries that have benefited from BRI projects, making it harder for the US to offer a compelling alternative.
The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing for a thorough understanding well within the time typically allotted for legislative review.
Section 1
Short Title
This section formally names the legislation the 'Build Responsible Infrastructure Development for the Global Economy Act' or the 'BRIDGE Act'. This provides a concise and recognizable name for the bill, facilitating its reference and public identification throughout the legislative process and beyond.
Supporters argue
Establishing a clear short title is standard legislative practice that enhances clarity and ease of communication regarding the bill's purpose and content.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision as it is a procedural element common to all legislation.
Tradeoffs
None inherent in the provision itself; it is purely administrative.
Section 2
Congressional Findings on the Belt and Road Initiative
This section outlines Congress's foundational understanding and concerns regarding China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It asserts that the BRI is a comprehensive strategy by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to establish a Sinocentric world order, posing significant risks to US national security, economic security, and international influence. The findings highlight instances of BRI debt restructuring and cost overruns, while also noting successful allied coordination in reversing BRI accession, underscoring the perceived need for a coherent US counter-strategy.
Section 3
Statement of United States Policy
This section formally declares the policy of the United States to actively counter efforts by the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aimed at creating an integrated economic and political order under their leadership. The policy explicitly states that such efforts continue to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.
Section 4(a)
Mandate for Report and Counter-BRI Strategy
This section requires the Secretary of State, in collaboration with the Secretaries of Commerce, the CEO of the DFC, and other relevant agencies, to submit a report within 180 days. The report must detail China's BRI efforts to undermine the US-led international order and its objectives in creating parallel PRC-centric organizations. Crucially, it must also include a detailed, interagency strategy to counter the BRI. This strategy needs to cover recommendations for bolstering US economic competition, assessing past efforts and gaps, providing a timeline, linking to broader national security priorities (like the National Security Strategy), and outlining coordination with key allies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
Section 4(b)
Implementation Plan for Counter-BRI Strategy
This section requires the Secretary of State, again in coordination with relevant agencies, to submit a plan within one year of the bill's enactment for implementing the strategy developed under subsection (a)(4). This implementation plan must include clearly defined program metrics, goals, targets, and planned outcomes for the strategy. It also requires a plan to monitor and evaluate progress and a plan to ensure the strategy actively promotes US foreign policy goals in the Indo-Pacific by offering a positive vision for shared economic and infrastructure growth within a free and open international order.