Key Democrat to Oppose Biosecure Act, Citing Concerns Over Legislation’s Design and Impact on U.S.-China Biotech Relations

Opposition to Biosecure Act:
Representative Jim McGovern, a leading Democrat, has announced his intention to vote against the Biosecure Act, citing concerns over the legislation's design and lack of transparency in selecting companies to be restricted.

Legislation's Purpose:
The Biosecure Act aims to impose federal contracting restrictions on Chinese biotech firms such as WuXi Biologics and BGI, citing national security concerns and the protection of U.S. pharmaceutical supply chains and genetic information.

House Vote:
Despite McGovern's opposition, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Biosecure Act with broad bipartisan support on September 9, 2024, sending it to the Senate for further consideration.

National Security Concerns:
Proponents argue that Chinese biotech firms linked to the Chinese Communist Party pose a significant national security threat, particularly in terms of data security and potential espionage.

Company Response:
The companies targeted by the legislation have denied posing any risk to U.S. national security and argue against their inclusion in the proposed law.