On the recordSeptember 28, 2023
This science and technology agreement, or STA, with the PRC was extended for 6 months this past August and does not commit us to a longer-term extension. The extension will allow the administration time to amend and strengthen the terms of the STA. Without the STA, the United States would lose valuable insight into China's technical advances. Additionally, many STA outcomes have been deeply beneficial to the United States and the rest of the world. This includes determining the importance of folic acid supplementation in preventing birth defects and decreasing China's air pollution which blows across the Pacific contributing to our West Coast air pollution. Opponents of this agreement cite concerns that the PRC would exploit civilian research partnerships for military purposes; however, all legitimate concerns about information sharing can be addressed through modifications to the STA, rather than eliminating it entirely. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
