Exclusive / Democrats weigh future of House China panel - Semafor

House Democrats are debating the future of the chamber’s select panel on US-China competition.

One option for overhauling the committee, according to people familiar with the situation, is broadening its focus beyond China to explore issues related to other bad foreign actors.

But the decisions on the select panel are ultimately up to Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who’s said the caucus will discuss future steps.

A Jeffries spokesperson said oversight of China-related matters will be an important priority next Congress regardless of committee structure.

One complication for the future of the panel: Its current top Democrat, Rep. Ro Khanna of California, likely plans to run for president. If he runs, that would mean Democrats might have to switch chairs midway through Congress.

The last Democrat to serve as its ranking member, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., stepped down when he launched his unsuccessful Senate bid.

The bipartisan panel, established in 2023 under GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, examines US competition with China, including issues involving technology transfers and export controls.