PRC Act
Latest action (23 Sep 2021): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 5351, the Prioritizing Readiness and Competitiveness Act (PRC Act), was introduced by Rep. Ashley Hinson on September 23, 2021. The bill states a policy declaration that competition with the People's Republic of China will shape the coming decades and asserts that domestic manufacturing, naval strength, and technological innovation are essential to maintaining U.S. advantage. Its main operative provision would rescind unobligated federal funds previously allocated for U.S. military and diplomatic activities in Afghanistan, including money from the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund, State Department diplomatic programs, anti-corruption and Taliban reintegration efforts, international narcotics and law enforcement programs, and military training for Afghan forces.
The rescinded funds would be redirected in equal thirds to three accounts: Defense Production Act purchases for the Department of Defense, Navy shipbuilding and conversion, and Defense-wide research and development, with the latter earmarked for DARPA projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and advanced materials. This would primarily affect the Departments of Defense and State, redirecting resources from Afghanistan-related programs toward defense industrial and technology initiatives.
The bill was referred to the House Committees on Appropriations, Armed Services, Financial Services, and Foreign Affairs. It has not received a vote and remains at the introduction stage from the 117th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Prioritizing Readiness and Competitiveness Act or the PRC Act
This bill rescinds certain unexpended funds for activities in Afghanistan and transfers such funds for certain Department of Defense (DOD) activities.
Specifically, the bill rescinds unexpended funds previously made available for various activities in Afghanistan, including for (1) maintaining security forces, (2) maintaining diplomatic personnel, (3) combatting corruption, and (4) reintegrating former Taliban members and other extremists.
The President must transfer the rescinded funds to DOD for (1) activities to maintain or expand domestic industrial base capabilities essential for national defense, (2) the Navy's shipbuilding and conversion account, and (3) Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency activities for strengthening the U.S. advantage in strategic technologies.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 5351 do?
- H.R. 5351, the Prioritizing Readiness and Competitiveness Act (PRC Act), was introduced by Rep. Ashley Hinson on September 23, 2021. The bill states a policy declaration that competition with the People's Republic of China will shape the coming decades and asserts that domestic manufacturing, naval strength, and technological innovation are essential to maintaining U.S. advantage. Its main operative provision would rescind unobligated federal funds previously allocated for U.S. military and diplomatic activities in Afghanistan, including money from the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund, State Department diplomatic programs, anti-corruption and Taliban reintegration efforts, international narcotics and law enforcement programs, and military training for Afghan forces. The rescinded funds would be redirected in equal thirds to three accounts: Defense Production Act purchases for the Department of Defense, Navy shipbuilding and conversion, and Defense-wide research and development, with the latter earmarked for DARPA projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and advanced materials. This would primarily affect the Departments of Defense and State, redirecting resources from Afghanistan-related programs toward defense industrial and technology initiatives. The bill was referred to the House Committees on Appropriations, Armed Services, Financial Services, and Foreign Affairs. It has not received a vote and remains at the introduction stage from the 117th Congress.
- Has H.R. 5351 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Sep 2021, H.R. 5351 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 5351?
- H.R. 5351 was sponsored by Rep. Ashley Hinson [R-IA2] (Republican-IA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 5351?
- Introduced (23 Sep 2021).
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