Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) on Wednesday introduced legislation that would counter propaganda from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) The bill, named the “Countering Chinese Propaganda Act,” (pdf) would create a new sanctions authority against state-backed disinformation networks. It is aimed at the CCP’s propaganda system, or United Front Work Department (UFWD)—an overseas influence arm of the Chinese regime that serves to further the CCP’s interests abroad. The United Front has previously been described by Chinese regime leader Xi Jinping as a “magic weapon” that will help bring about “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” The legislation is based on recommendations from the RSC’s National Security Strategy, and would require the secretary of state to examine whether the UFWD meets the criteria to be sanctioned under this new authority. It is part of a larger effort from the RSC—the largest conservative caucus …