Michael Wessel

U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) was created by the United States Congress on October 30, 2000 by the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for 2001 (codified at 22 U.S.C. §7002) with the legislative mandate to monitor, investigate, and submit to Congress an annual report on the national security implications of the bilateral trade and economic relationship between the United States and the People's Republic of China, and to provide recommendations, where appropriate, to Congress for legislative and administrative action. In accordance with its mandate, the Commission focuses its work and study on the following eleven areas: proliferation practices, economic transfers, energy and natural resources, foreign investment, military and security affairs, cyber activities, economic conditions, foreign affairs, compliance and enforcement, freedom of information, and product safety. The Commission has 12 members, three of whom are appointed by each of the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, and the Speaker and the Minority Leader of the House. The Commissioners serve two-year terms. The Commissioners are supported by policy and administrative staff with extensive backgrounds in trade, economics, national security, foreign policy, and U.S.-China relations.