Rep. Ro Khanna is set to take over as the top Democrat on the House select committee on China.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois paved the way by announcing Monday that he was stepping down from the position of ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
His lengthy statement announcing his decision didn’t give a reason, but Mr. Krishnamoorthi is running for his state’s U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Whip Richard J. Durbin.
“I look forward to working closely with them to ensure that Democrats on this Committee continue to succeed, advancing policies that allow the United States to compete and win while remaining firmly grounded in the values that define us,” Mr. Krishnamoorthi said.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, New York Democrat, applauded Mr. Krishnamoorthi for his diligent work and “grace and resolve.”
Our nation is safer and more secure because of Raja’s commitment to public service,” Mr. Jeffries said.
He said Mr. Khanna would be taking over and praised his “willingness” to step up.
“We thank Ro for his continued determination, strong sense of purpose and commitment to the work needed to safeguard our economy, defend our national security and protect human rights around the world,” he said.
The select committee was formed in 2023 to examine the economic, military and technological advances coming from China. It was created by a bipartisan vote of 365-65.
Mr. Krishnamoorthi has long warned of the threat Beijing poses.
“The challenge posed by China is among the defining tests of our time. It spans the economic, technological, and military domains, and it defies easy answers. Meeting it demands nuance and seriousness, a commitment to practical and enforceable policy solutions, and an unwavering resolve to strengthen American competitiveness without succumbing to fear or prejudice,” he said in his statement Monday.
Both President Trump and former President Biden consistently brought up the threat China poses to the U.S.’s national security.
Mr. Trump slapped extensive tariffs on China to try and curb the flow of fentanyl into the country and to hit back on what he considered unfair trade.
Mr. Khanna told The Washington Post in an interview Monday that “we can’t have China hold the world hostage.”
He criticized the economic and trade relations deal Mr. Trump struck with China, telling The Post that there will be “changes in tone” on the select committee.
“We’re going to be tough in criticizing where the policy has failed and calling for a new direction,” Mr. Khanna said, going on to criticize Mr. Trump for relaxing limits on AI exports to China.
