H.R.2115 - Ending China’s Unfair Advantage Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2115, the "Ending China's Unfair Advantage Act of 2025," aims to prohibit U.S. funding for the Montreal Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change until China is no longer defined as a developing country under these agreements. The bill requires the President to certify to Congress that China has been removed from the developing country list for the Montreal Protocol and included in Annex I of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. It defines key terms such as "appropriate congressional committees," "Montreal Protocol," and "United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change."
If enacted, the bill would halt U.S. contributions to these international environmental agreements until China's status is changed. This reflects concerns about China's economic status and its obligations under these agreements.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Energy and Commerce.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect would be a cessation of U.S. funding to the Montreal Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This would occur until the conditions regarding China's status are met.
Longer term, the bill could pressure international bodies to re-evaluate China's designation. It could also strain international relations if other countries disagree with the U.S. approach.
The bill's impact on actual environmental outcomes depends on the actions of other nations and the effectiveness of alternative funding mechanisms.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially levels the playing field in international environmental agreements by requiring China to adhere to the same standards as developed nations.
- Could incentivize China to take more aggressive action on ozone depletion and climate change.
- May reduce the financial burden on U.S. taxpayers by withholding funds until China's status changes.
- Addresses concerns about the fairness of international agreements where China is treated as a developing nation despite its economic growth.
- Could encourage other nations to re-evaluate the criteria for developing country status in international agreements.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could harm international cooperation on critical environmental issues such as ozone depletion and climate change.
- May damage the U.S.'s reputation as a reliable partner in international agreements.
- Could lead to retaliatory measures from other countries.
- The bill's effectiveness is contingent on the actions of international bodies, which may not align with the U.S.'s goals.
- Could negatively impact global efforts to address climate change and ozone depletion if other nations do not compensate for the loss of U.S. funding.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the U.S. Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. The bill does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or liberties.
Congress has the power of the purse, allowing it to control federal spending. This bill exercises that power by placing conditions on funding for international agreements.
However, the bill's potential impact on international relations could raise questions about the President's authority in foreign affairs.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).