Sanctions List | US-China Special Committee Proposes to Ban Foreign Biotech Companies such as BGI and Wuxi AppTec

The House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today introduced a bill to ensure that foreign biotechnology companies cannot access U.S. taxpayer funds.

Once enacted, the legislation would restrict federally funded healthcare providers from using foreign adversary biotechnology companies, including BGI Group and its subsidiaries MGI and Complete Genomics, as well as another Chinese-owned company, WuXi AppTec.

Senator Romney said: “Chinese biotechnology companies are collecting the genes and sensitive health data of millions of people around the world through medical diagnostic tests to give China an advantage.” “Our bipartisan legislation prohibiting companies with ties to China from federal contracts and financing mechanisms helps ensure that American taxpayer money cannot be used to subsidize biotechnology companies that threaten our national security.”

“Every day, Americans have their blood drawn or undergo other medical tests to protect their health. But few people know exactly who has access to the DNA information contained in these samples, or how they will use that information. From DNA testing kits to medical diagnostics, as the biotechnology sector becomes increasingly important in daily life, the threat posed by biotechnology companies controlled by foreign adversaries continues to grow.” “This bill will protect Americans’ personal health and genetic information from foreign adversaries who have the ability and the motivation to use this information to undermine our national security.”