U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), the lead Republican sponsor of the Senate-passed U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), today issued the following statement regarding House passage of the America COMPETES Act:

“Throughout our nation’s history, Republicans and Democrats have worked together on critical national security issues. In that tradition, last year the Senate followed regular order and an open process to pass the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act with strong bipartisan support. I am disappointed that the House did not follow a similar process. To outgrow, out-innovate, and out-compete China, we need to work together and take the fight to the Chinese Communist Party. 

“As we head to a conference process, my hope is that the final legislation will reflect the Senate bill and give House Republicans a much better option to support. The Senate-passed bill focuses on directly confronting China and getting legislation like USICA across the finish line will ensure the United States leads the world into the future,” said Senator Young.

The Senate passed the USICAby a vote of 68-32 last year.