FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 30, 2023

Contact: Amelia Joy

Gov. Noem Endorses Rep. Dusty Johnson’s Bill to Block State Investments in Communist China

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) introduced legislation to allow states to prohibit state funds from bankrolling the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP); Governor Kristi Noem endorsed the legislation.

"I am grateful that Congressman Johnson sees the national security threat that China poses,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “Protecting South Dakota from nations that hate America has been a priority of mine as Governor, and I am glad that he is doing the same in Congress.”

Throughout the summer, Governor Noem and Congressman Johnson held several conversations about this legislation and how it would benefit both South Dakota and the nation. In December 2022, Governor Noem wrote to congressional leadership calling for legislation like what Congressman Johnson is introducing.

“America should not help advance the CCP agenda, especially with state funds,” said Johnson. “My bill empowers states to divest their investment dollars from CCP-backed linked companies. South Dakota understands the threat of the CCP, and I am grateful for Governor Noem’s leadership and partnership to protect our state from their communist regime.”

The PRC Accountability and Divestment Act of 2023 allows states to make the decisions to divest taxpayer funds from China. Specifically, this bill:

• Provides state and local governments with the authority to divest assets from and prohibit investments within the People’s Republic of China (PRC);
• Provides state and local governments with a safe harbor for changes of investment policies related to the PRC; and,
• States a fiduciary of an Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) plan may divest plan assets from the PRC.

Congress has previously passed similar legislation supporting state and local actions to divest from states that are a threat to the United States or committing human rights atrocities. In 2010, Congress passed the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act. In 2007, Congress passed the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act.

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