U.S. Representative Rob Wittman (R-VA) emphasized the critical importance of U.S. military security, stating that U.S. facilities must not be compromised by materials produced in the People's Republic of China (PRC). Wittman shared his statement on June 18 on X.
"The security of U.S. military installations is paramount," said Wittman, U.S. Representative of Virginia's 1st Congressional District (R). "We cannot compromise our facilities with Chinese components and materials."
According to the Washington Examiner, the Pentagon will not be installing Chinese-made solar panels. Robert Ditchey, a Pentagon spokesman, said, "The DoD will not be installing Chinese-manufactured solar panels on the Pentagon," adding that the department must adhere to statutory requirements of quality and energy efficiency and domestic security policy. Representatives Wittman, Jen Kiggans, Ben Cline, and Morgan Griffith had previously warned about this issue in a joint letter regarding discretion when it comes to Chinese-made solar manufacturing.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also expressed security concerns about panels made in China in a letter to the Pentagon, as reported by Fox News. Youngkin stated he had "serious concerns," noting there has been no "stated requirement that such panels be made in America using American technology."
According to Reuters, the White House announced measures to protect domestic solar factories from Chinese competition by preventing a tariff exemption for double-sided panels. This move aims to facilitate easier project subsidies for American-made products. The Biden Administration also declared it would end a waiver on tariffs previously imposed on solar panels produced by Chinese companies in Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam to encourage more domestically made solar panels' utilization in the U.S.
Wittman has represented Virginia’s First Congressional District since 2007. According to his website, he is currently serving on the House Natural Resources Committee and House Armed Services Committee, where he holds positions as vice chairman of the full committee and chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee.
