Wisconsin Representative Mike Gallagher, who is also the Chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has commented on the recent reports regarding an investigation into Ford's agreement with CCP-affiliated battery company Contemporary Amperex Technology, Co. Limited (CATL). According to the reports, Ford may only temporarily suspend the agreement.
Gallagher, who has been leading the investigation into CCP involvement in the partnership between Ford and CATL, expressed his concerns about the deep ties between CATL and the CCP. He stated, "CATL's deep ties to CCP forced labor have no place in the American market and make the company exceptionally unfit to receive American taxpayer dollars. Now, Ford needs to call off this deal for good."
The partnership between Ford and CATL has raised concerns about CCP involvement and potential implications related to forced labor and Chinese technology. In response to these concerns, Gallagher and other lawmakers have requested specific documents from Ford, including a copy of the licensing agreement between Ford and CATL, all documents and communications between Ford and CATL referring to the licensing agreement, and all documents and communications between Ford and the Biden Administration referring to the Ford/CATL licensing agreement.
Last week, Ford Motor Company announced the suspension of its partnership with CATL. However, lawmakers have made multiple efforts to obtain the requested documents from Ford, but have been unsuccessful thus far. As a result, Ford has until October 6 to provide the requested information or alternative measures, such as appearing before Congress, will be pursued.
The request for information was jointly made by Chairman Gallagher, Chairman Jason Smith of the House Ways and Means Committee, and Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
In a press release, the lawmakers expressed their dissatisfaction with Ford's lack of cooperation, stating that "Ford’s ongoing refusal to provide substantive responses addressing the serious issues discussed in the April, July, and September letters undermines Ford’s own commitment to 'act with transparency, integrity, and honesty' and raises serious concerns regarding its licensing agreement with CATL."
If Ford fails to comply with the document requests by October 6, the lawmakers have indicated that they will consider other means to obtain the documents, including compulsory process or insisting that Ford appear before Congress to explain their failure to comply.
In July, Georgia Representative Austin Scott introduced amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that aim to prevent funds from being allocated towards battery technology linked to the CCP. The amendments initially targeted CATL, but now include other CCP-affiliated companies such as Gotion High tech Company, Limited, EVE Energy Company, Limited, BYD Company, among others.
The investigation into Ford's agreement with CATL continues as lawmakers seek to fully understand the implications and potential risks associated with the partnership.
