Congressman John Moolenaar Chairman of the Select Committee on the CCP | Official Website
Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party have requested a briefing from Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray and Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Avril Haines. The briefing is to address concerns regarding GenScript Biotechnology, a biotech firm from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and its ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
In their letter, the lawmakers stated, “GenScript’s role as a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), including services such as the production of custom gene synthesis for companies and U.S. Government entities, raises concerns about potential risks to the intellectual property of U.S. firms and GenScript's broader role in advancing the PRC’s biotech capabilities."
They further noted, "GenScript is working to establish CCP-controlled chokepoints in critical areas of biotechnology in which the U.S. currently leads... GenScript’s public statements and the active role of its internal CCP Committee in guiding company strategy suggest a concerted effort to advance Beijing’s goal of reducing reliance on foreign biotech and achieving a dominant position in the global industry."
The request for a briefing aims to gather intelligence and law enforcement information regarding GenScript Biotech Corporation and its U.S.-based subsidiaries. The objective is to determine the extent of CCP influence over their operations, assess potential risks to U.S. national security, and understand implications for U.S. leadership in biotechnology.
The letter elaborates on GenScript's corporate structure, highlighting links to state-owned enterprises and embedded Party committees. It mentions that key leadership positions within GenScript are held by individuals with significant roles in CCP committees.
Since 2023, GenScript has received contracts worth millions from various U.S. government departments including Health and Human Services (HHS), Agriculture (USDA), Defense (DOD), and Veterans Affairs (VA). These contracts cover products and services such as customized protein production, laboratory equipment, drugs, and biologicals.
The lawmakers expressed particular concern over evidence suggesting that GenScript is establishing CCP-controlled chokepoints in critical biotechnology areas where the U.S. currently leads. They referenced Zhang Fangliang, co-founder of GenScript, who emphasized filling gaps in PRC’s biotech capabilities as part of supporting CCP’s strategic goals.
The letter concludes by underscoring the need for vigilance in safeguarding U.S. competitiveness against foreign government interests that may undermine national security.
The lawmakers have requested that FBI Director Wray and DNI Haines arrange a briefing for the Select Committee by June 28, 2024.
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