If enacted, HB 7085 would significantly restructure how federal agencies approach contracts and procurement related to biotechnology. Agencies would be prohibited from acquiring goods and services from companies identified as 'biotechnology companies of concern', thereby limiting their options and potentially leading to gaps in scientific capabilities if authorized vendors become restricted. The bill also outlines conditions under which exceptions can be granted, but this may add complexity to procurement procedures as agencies navigate compliance.
Summary
House Bill 7085, titled the 'BIOSECURE Act', is designed to prohibit contracting with specific biotechnology companies deemed as national security threats, particularly those linked to foreign adversaries such as the People's Republic of China (PRC). The bill specifically targets companies like BGI and its affiliates due to their potential links to espionage and data collection under PRC laws that compel firms to cooperate with state security efforts. The intention is to protect U.S. federal procurement processes from entities that may compromise national security through their affiliations and data practices.
Contention
The bill has elicited notable debate about the implications of restricting contracts with foreign entities, raising questions about innovation, competition, and the consequences on bilateral relations. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to curtail risks associated with data security and foreign influence, while opponents may raise concerns about the effects on global cooperation in scientific and medical advancements. Furthermore, the broader discussion touches on the balancing act between national security and maintaining open channels for scientific collaboration.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives relating to the Communist Party of China's "Made In China 2025" Plan and publicly-known malign Communist Party of China's actions supporting the goals of its "Made in China 2025" plan.
Condemning the Chinese Communist Party's use of a high-altitude surveillance balloon over United States territory as a brazen violation of United States sovereignty.
A resolution condemning the use by the People's Republic of China of a high-altitude surveillance balloon over the territory of the United States as a brazen violation of United States sovereignty.
A bill to reduce the number of student visas available to nationals of the People's Republic of China until China removes certain restrictions on United States students pursuing postsecondary educational opportunities in China and to restrict the types of postsecondary study available to Chinese nationals in the United States to include sensitive topics with potential dual-use military application.