(The Epoch Times)—President Donald Trump on Dec. 18 signed into law a tighter outbound investment screening regime to stop U.S. capital from funding Chinese high-tech companies.
The revised version of the Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security Act of 2025 (COINS Act) was enacted as a part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026.
The $901 billion defense bill also includes a raft of new powers to strengthen supply chain security and improve the government’s China expertise.
The Guaranteeing Access and Innovation for National Artificial Intelligence Act (GAIN AI Act), which would require advanced chipmakers to prioritize U.S. customers over clients in China, passed the Senate as part of an earlier iteration of the NDAA, but was not included in the final version.
Outbound Investments
The COINS Act codified and expanded the Treasury’s new rules on outbound investment to restrict outbound investments in advanced semiconductors, AI systems, quantum computing, supercomputing, and hypersonic systems in countries of concern, including China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela.
The act also gives the U.S. president power to sanction foreign persons in these sectors who are linked or controlled by these regimes, to prohibit investment transactions with them, and to introduce penalty for violations of the law.
Separately, funding authorized by the NDAA cannot be used to knowingly support film, television, or other entertainment projects that have or may be censored at the behest of the Chinese communist regime to advance its interests.
Security and Supply Chains
The NDAA includes a revised version of the Biosecure Act, which requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to publish a list of “biotechnology companies of concern,” and bans federal agencies from procuring biotechnology equipment or services from these companies.
The legislation did not name any country. Earlier versions of the bill, which listed several Chinese biotech companies, failed to pass the legislation process either as a standalone bill or part of an omnibus bill.
A separate part of the NDAA requires the Director of National Intelligence to ensure that the intelligence community does not use a Chinese biotechnology supplier or its foreign subsidiaries to make products using synthetic DNA or RNA from domestic sources if the company is deemed to be a security or supply chain threat to the United States.
The law also required the Defense Department to create a Biotechnology Management Office.
The NDAA added molybdenum, gallium, and germanium to the list of sensitive materials. With some exceptions, the Department of Defense is prohibited from buying these materials from China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia, or selling the materials from the National Defense Stockpile to these countries.
It modified provisions in the 2021 NDAA that require the defense secretary to publish an annual list of Chinese military companies. The amendment specified that such companies may operate in or outside of China to prevent circumvention. While updating the list, the secretary will also be required to consider companies that have been sanctioned that year by other U.S. government departments.
The defense secretary is required to phase out Chinese computers and printers and to eliminate the reliance on optical glass and computer displays from countries including Belarus, China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia by Jan. 1, 2030.
The Pentagon is banned from buying solar panels from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
The department will also have to avoid sourcing seafood from these countries.
In 2023, an Outlaw Ocean Project investigation revealed the systemic practice of using forced labor on Chinese fishing vessels, a practice that is ongoing, according to more recent investigations.
China Expertise, Taiwan, and Others
The NDAA authorized the State Department to expand its Regional China Officer (RCO) program to create at least 20 RCOs to monitor and report on the Chinese regime’s activities where the RCOs are posted, and to share their knowledge with their host countries and other U.S. allies.
The State Department is also authorized to create ambassadors-at-large for the Arctic and the Indian Ocean region and units to counter Chinese and Russian influence, as well as to establish an Inner Mongolia section within the U.S. Mission in China to monitor issues including human rights, developments in critical minerals mining, environmental degradation, and China’s space capabilities.
The NDAA mandated the declassification of intelligence related to the origins of COVID-19, including research conducted at the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the intention of Gain of Function research.
It also includes provisions related to Taiwan, such as joint maritime training programs.
Catherine Yang contributed to this report.
Bypass Big Tech Censors
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
