Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr Introduces Bill to Strengthen Oversight on U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement

Below is a press release from Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr.

Washington, D.C. — This week, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) introduced the “Science and Technology Agreement Enhanced Congressional Notification Act of 2023”. The legislation seeks to establish a new era of rigorous transparency and accountability in United States and People’s Republic of China relations by enforcing congressional supervision on any scientific and technological partnership agreements between the two nations. If passed, the Secretary of State would be required to provide comprehensive details to Congress about any new agreement and wait for at least 30 days post-submission before proceeding. Notably, this new provision encompasses thorough risk assessments, human rights considerations, and consistent monitoring mechanisms.

“America’s collaborations, especially with nations like the PRC, should prioritize our national security, human rights, and technological leadership,” said Congressman Andy Barr. “This legislation ensures that Congress has a significant say in any science and technology agreements with the Chinese Communist Party. It’s about safeguarding American innovation and assessing risks diligently. With this bill, we aim to establish a clear framework for transparent and responsible international collaborations which will safeguard American interests, values, and global leadership.”

“For years, thanks to its strategy of military-civil fusion, the Chinese Communist Party has abused the openness of the American scientific community to steal American research and coopt it for its own malign purposes, including to surveil the Chinese public and strengthen its military-industrial complex. Amid rumors that the Biden admin will try to quietly extend the Science and Technology Agreement between the US and China, this bill would require any administration to notify Congress if it plans to further jeopardize our research and intellectual property by entering, renewing, or extending this deal.” –Chairman Mike Gallagher (WI-08)

“Under no circumstances should we enable the Chinese Communist Party’s exploitation of diplomatic agreements to advance their malign agenda to undermine the United States,” said Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01). “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this critical piece of legislation to alert Congress of any future potential science and technology agreements with the People’s Republic of China that could threaten U.S. sovereignty and security – we must stand united in countering the CCP’s insidious military objectives and global ambitions.”

Bilateral collaborations are vital for scientific progress, but not at the cost of our national security and intellectual property. I have strong concerns with the U.S. government entering into any technology sharing compacts with the CCP. It is critical to establish a framework for transparent and responsible collaborations that prioritize American interests and values and promote U.S. competitiveness with the CCP. –Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02)