Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios
The House on Monday night passed legislation to cut off U.S. government funding for Chinese biotech companies deemed national security risks.
Why it matters: The 306-81 vote is a step forward for the Biosecure Act, which reflects the growing recognition that biotechnology is a national security concern but has prompted some pushback and divided Democrats.
- The bill would cut off U.S. funding for five companies deemed to have ties to Beijing: BGI, MGI, Complete Genomics, WuXi AppTec, and WuXi Biologics.
What they're saying: "Are we comfortable sending taxpayer dollars to companies that are run by bad actors and that work so closely with the Chinese Communist Party, the CCP?" said Democratic sponsor Raja Krishnamoorthi. "The answer is of course not."
The other side: In a Democratic split, Rep. Jim McGovern spoke out against the measure, saying it singles out companies by name without due process to ensure they really are bad actors.
- "Due process actually matters here," unlike in China, he said.
- One of the companies, WuXi Biologics, has announced plans to build a facility in his district, but McGovern said that is not the only reason he has concerns.
- The companies say Biosecure supporters misunderstand their work, and that they do not pose a threat to Americans' health data or national security.
- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also voted no.
What's next: The issue could come back in the debate over the National Defense Authorization Act, a likely legislative vehicle in the Senate.
