Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, passed an amendment that prohibits the Department of Defense (DoD) from contracting with companies that retain lobbyists that also lobby for Chinese Military Companies. Read the amendment here.
“I am proud that my amendment forcing lobbying firms to choose between representing U.S. or Communist China’s interests will be included in this year’s national defense bill. It is reprehensible that American lobbying firms are advocating on behalf of companies that directly advance the modernization efforts of the Chinese military. If a lobbying firm chooses to represent a Chinese Military Company then they should be barred from representing any companies that contract with the U.S. Department of Defense,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
Congresswoman Stefanik’s amendment will prohibit the Department of Defense from contracting with companies that retain lobbying firms that also lobby for Chinese Military Companies as defined by the DoD’s 1260H list.
Currently, many American lobbying firms represent Chinese Military Companies while also representing American defense contractors. This is a clear conflict of interest, represents serious cybersecurity risks, and could potentially give Chinese Military Companies advantages while they work to undermine U.S. national security.
In March, Fox News reported that Congresswoman Stefanik criticized former Attorney General Loretta Lynch for lobbying the DoD on behalf of a Communist Chinese drone company.
