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This week I was appointed the co-chair of two pillars of the China Task Force; national security and technology.

I am honored to be working with my colleagues on this important task. Our goal is to find solutions to some of the most important issues facing our generation in foreign policy. In addition to the pillars on national security and technology, the China Task Force has pillars focusing on economics and energy, competitiveness, and ideological competition.

The Chinese Communist Government has taken aggressive steps to influence world affairs through economic impact, geopolitical influence, and military power. We are building the task force to address these threats.

This morning I co-sponsored a resolution to condemn the Communist Chinese Government for newly proposed legislation that would undo the autonomy Hong Kong has had since 1984.

The proposed Chinese legislation would ban secession, subversion of state power, foreign interference, and terrorism, as defined by the Communist Chinese Government. This law would be used to jail and harass peaceful protestors, and crack-down on any attempt to self-govern in Hong Kong. The resolution calls upon all free nations to stand firm against the Chinese Communist Party’s campaign to destroy basic liberties and human rights held by the people of Hong Kong.

Lastly, as parts of Virginia begin Phase I of reopening, there are many businesses that remain closed including movie theaters, gyms and indoor dining at restaurants. I urge you to continue practicing safe social distancing and to follow the CDC guidelines for keeping yourself and your family safe. Visit my COVID-19 webpage to help address questions and concerns you have relating to the virus and what federal assistance is available to you.

If you need help with a federal agency, please contact my Charlottesville Office at (434) 973-9631. At this time, all Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC, including the National Zoo, are temporarily closed to the public. Additionally, tours of the White House, U.S. Capitol, FBI and Library of Congress have been suspended to help contain the outbreak and prevent community spread.

Denver Riggleman represents Charlotte in the U.S. House of Representatives. He can be reached by visiting https://riggleman.house.gov/ or by phone at (434) 973-9631.