Bill addresses Chinese military scientists, American labs

Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) recently introduced a measure designed to ban those employed or sponsored by Chinese military institutions from receiving American student or research visas.

The legislation requires the U.S. government to develop a list of scientific and engineering institutions affiliated with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the wake of Chinese military scientists continuing to research advanced dual-use technology in the United States and other western countries.

“The Chinese People’s Liberation Army is being armed with help from American colleges and tech companies,” Cotton said. “Keeping PLA scientists out of our research laboratories is a basic act of self-defense. It’s stunning that this practice isn’t already prohibited.”

Officials estimate the PLA has sent more than 2,500 military engineers and scientists to study abroad over the last 10 years. At times the scientists have not disclosed their connection to the Chinese military.

“Student and research visas ought to be reserved for those foreign nationals who want to contribute to our universities and research institutions, not for our foreign adversaries and spies that wish to do us harm,” Grassley said. “China has taken advantage of us for too long.”

Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.