Rep. Jim McGovern Opposes Biosecure Act on National Security Grounds, Targeting WuXi Biologics and BGI

Sep 9, 2024, 07:02 PM

Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, the ranking member on the House Rules Committee, has announced his opposition to the Biosecure Act on national security grounds. This legislation aims to restrict business with Chinese biotech firms, including WuXi Biologics and BGI, on national security grounds. McGovern's stance has stirred controversy, given his history as a China human-rights advocate. The bill is part of a broader legislative push by U.S. lawmakers to counter China's influence, with other measures targeting Chinese military-linked companies and addressing issues such as data theft and economic competition. The Biosecure Act is seen as critical for protecting American genetic data from the Chinese Communist Party's ambitions in biotechnology. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the bill this week.