Thread by @JoshRudes

Here are a half-dozen ways Congress can shore up U.S. defenses against Chinese malign finance. 🧵

1⃣ There's a provision in #S1 to broaden the definition of an in-kind political contribution to cover dirt on opponents or polling data (think Russia-2016), but it would not cover requests for investigations into opponents or trade targeted toward swing stages (think China-2020).

2⃣ 501c3's should have to disclose foreign funders. China has used proxies to set up friendly think tanks (in Australia) or US-based 501c3's (to facilitate bribery schemes and buy influence for the Belt and Road as far West as Czechia and Africa). See @Lancegooden's bill.

3⃣ As @NateSibley shows, Chinese state firms, party elites, & criminal groups use shell companies to evade sanctions, export fentanyl, use forced labor, & spread corruption. Chinese tycoons stash money in SD trusts. FinCEN needs far more funding to keep up.hudson.org/research/15573…

4⃣ But shell entities are only half the battle. The FATF says the other big US vulnerability is the lack of AML regulations for professional enablers. One of the biggest annual galas for offshore enablers—bestowing awards on the top providers—is in Shanghai. Pass the REPEL Act.

5⃣ At the Shanghai offshore conference, there seem to be just as many booths helping Chinese millionaires shop for visas and passports as booths dedicated to financial vehicles. The US should let its own program (EB-5) expire next week and pass the Golden Visa Accountability Act.

6⃣ A strong way to respond to China's Belt and Road Initiative is to be ready to ramp up anti-corruption foreign assistance when the bribery and other scandals inevitably arise and lead to political transitions. Pass legislation like the CROOK Act. 🔚 justsecurity.org/75468/corrupti…