Bill · S. 1011· Senate(119-S-1011)
Belt and Road Oversight Act
- Introduced
- 3/12/2025
- Last activity
- 3/12/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Sponsored by
- James Lankford
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Belt and Road Oversight Act establishes a new Country China Officer position within the Department of State. These officers will be stationed at United States embassies in every country with which the U.S. maintains diplomatic relations. Their primary job is to monitor and report on projects and capital investments backed by the People's Republic of China, specifically focusing on the Belt and Road Initiative. The bill requires a comprehensive initial report on assets, debt, and infrastructure controlled by China. It also mandates the development of country-specific strategies to counter Chinese influence and anti-American messaging. This entire oversight program is scheduled to expire 10 years after the act is passed.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this give the federal government more power?+2
The bill expands the duties and presence of the Department of State worldwide.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+2
The bill provides intelligence to support strategic competition and alternative financing for allies.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+1
The bill mandates detailed reporting on foreign-controlled assets and debt.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill increases government spending by mandating new personnel and administrative reporting requirements.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency of Financial Risks: The bill requires a detailed report on debt obligations, known assets, and potential collateral used for Belt and Road projects, which helps identify projects that could harm a country's economic prosperity and national sovereignty (Section 3(b)).
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Countering Influence: The act mandates the creation of country-specific strategies to counter the influence of the People's Republic of China, including plans to counter anti-American messaging (Section 6(a)).
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Access to Alternative Financing: By identifying procurement and infrastructure needs, the bill aims to provide information that could help the United States International Development Finance Corporation prioritize alternative financing opportunities for port and air field capacity (Section 7 and Section 8).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential Financial Burden on Government: The bill requires the designation of a specific Foreign Service Officer as a Country China Officer in every country where the United States has diplomatic relations (Section 2(a)).
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Increased Administrative Requirements: The legislation imposes significant reporting duties on the Secretary of State, Chiefs of Mission, and the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs regarding infrastructure, debt, and counter-influence strategies (Sections 3, 5, 6, and 7).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Improves Government Transparency+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+2Improves Diplomatic Engagement+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+1Reduces Government Spending-2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Roads And Bridges+1
- 3/12/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Introduced in Senate