# What the General Secretary Act Actually Does

This bill would change how the U.S. government officially refers to China's leader in all new government documents and communications. Instead of calling the head of China's government "President," federal agencies would be required to use the title "General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party" or just "General Secretary." The bill would apply to any new documents created after it passes—things like official letters, reports, websites, press releases, and other government communications.

The bill's supporters argue that calling China's leader "President" incorrectly suggests the person was democratically elected by the Chinese people, when in reality they derive their power solely from the Communist Party. The bill includes extensive findings documenting historical and ongoing human rights concerns in China, including allegations about treatment of Uyghurs, Tibetans, and other groups. The sponsors believe using "General Secretary" would more accurately reflect that China is not a democracy and that its leader answers to the Communist Party, not to voters.

In practical terms, this would affect how federal employees write official communications. A State Department letter, a congressional report, or a government website would need to use the different title. However, the bill only applies to new documents created after it becomes law—existing documents wouldn't need to be changed. The bill doesn't prevent private citizens, news organizations, or other countries from using whatever title they prefer. It's essentially a statement about how the U.S. government wants to officially describe China's political system and where its leader's authority comes from.

General Secretary Act

Perry, Scott

General Secretary Act This bill prohibits the federal government from creating or disseminating documents that refer to China's head of state as anything other than General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party or General Secretary.