Rep. Sherrill Champions New Jersey’s Bioeconomy and Raises National Security Concerns Regarding Chinese Communist Party Interference
Washington, DC — Yesterday, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) questioned leaders in the biotechnology sector on the issues facing the growing bioeconomy in New Jersey and related CCP threats to U.S. national security. This hearing, entitled “Growing Stakes: The Bioeconomy and American National Security,” was held by the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
“The US is currently the world leader in biomedical and biotech innovation, which has helped to boost US economic growth and create millions of good-paying jobs. In New Jersey, for example, over 10% of all jobs and $100 billion in economic activity is supported by the life sciences industry. However, the Chinese Communist Party is rapidly expanding its investment in the bioeconomy and pharma - through both legitimate and illicit means,” said Rep. Sherrill. “I thank the witnesses for their insights on what actions Congress can take to keep New Jersey businesses competitive and protected from the CCP’s unfair trade practices.”
At the hearing, Rep. Sherrill asked the witnesses how artificial intelligence could transform the bioeconomy and significantly accelerate New Jersey’s pace of biotech and pharma R&D. She also discussed how the CCP has prioritized investment into biotech-related AI and how the U.S. can best maintain its leadership in these advanced technologies.
Click here to watch Rep. Sherrill’s line of questioning.
The witnesses at the hearing included:
Dr. Jason Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Ginkgo Bioworks
Dr. Tara O’Toole, Senior Fellow and Former Executive Vice President, In-Q-Tel
Dr. Charles Clancy, Chief Technology Officer, MITRE
To watch the hearing in its entirety, click here.
As a member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the CCP, Congresswoman Sherrill is fighting to reshore American manufacturing, ensure New Jersey is a place where businesses can thrive, and lower costs for families. As part of her work on the Committee, she introduced a legislative package entitled the American Jobs and Competition Planto strengthen America’s economic and national security in the face of competition with the CCP.
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