Metro Lex News

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed Congressman Andy Barr’s legislation, the “Science and Technology Agreement Enhanced Congressional Notification Act.” This bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in scientific and technological partnerships between the United States and China by enforcing congressional oversight.

The legislation mandates that no later than 15 days before the renewal or extension of the Science Technology Agreement (STA) or any other science and technology agreement with China, the Secretary of State must submit a detailed notification to Congress. Additionally, it requires the Administration to provide Congress with the full text of any such agreements to ensure they do not threaten U.S. national security.

“This legislation closes a dangerous loophole in our oversight of science and technology agreements with China,” said Rep. Andy Barr. “For too long, the Chinese Communist Party has exploited these partnerships to gain access to sensitive technologies that could threaten our national security. This bill ensures Congress has the power to review and scrutinize every agreement, making sure that we are protecting America’s interests and holding China accountable. We cannot continue to allow blind trust to dictate our security.”

Chairman Michael McCaul emphasized China's evolving ambitions under Chairman Xi Jinping: “Under Chairman Xi, China's ambition to become a science and technology superpower is closely intertwined with its military modernization efforts. The last time Congress legislated oversight on science and technology agreements was in 2003 - but China is not the same country as it was twenty years ago." He added, "I am grateful the House passed Congressman Barr’s STA Act with bipartisan support. It sends an important message that the U.S. is committed to preventing the CCP from leveraging our expertise to build their military-industrial complex.”

Chairman John Moolenaar also supported the legislation: “The U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement is a bad idea whose time is past. Rep. Barr’s important legislation would advance congressional oversight and mandate clear guardrails to protect our national security and economic prosperity." He noted that this critical legislation was included in their December economic and technology competition report.