Chairman John Moolenaar, a Republican from Michigan, and his colleagues have voiced their opposition to the Biden Administration's decision to extend the U.S.-People’s Republic of China (PRC) Science and Technology Agreement (STA) for five years. In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, they expressed concern over the timing and implications of this extension.

The lawmakers stated that "a renewal of the STA in the final days of the administration is a clear attempt to tie the hands of the incoming administration and deny them the opportunity to either leave the agreement or negotiate a better deal for the American people." They urged an immediate suspension of efforts to renew the agreement before January 20, 2025. They further argued that if "the Biden Administration is confident their new agreement with the PRC will adequately protect U.S. national security," then it should be presented to the incoming administration for consideration.

This move comes after repeated requests from Congress to either suspend or amend the STA with measures ensuring human rights protections and safeguarding U.S. intellectual property. Despite these requests, it appears that no additional measures will be imposed by the current administration.

In addition, earlier this fall, Representative Andy Barr introduced a bill titled “Science and Technology Agreement Enhanced Congressional Notification Act.” This legislation aimed at mandating prior notification for any renewal and requiring explicit safeguards within any renewed STA regarding human rights and dual-use research. Although not yet enacted into law, Congress views its principles as essential safeguards which have been overlooked by the Biden Administration's recent actions.