Congress Targets Chinese Genomics Giant in New Bipartisan Legislation

In a significant bipartisan move, both houses of Congress introduced legislation on Thursday aimed at banning BGI, China's largest genomics company, from operating in the U.S. This action follows years of warnings from intelligence officials about Beijing's collection of genetic data, which could pose threats to national security.

The bills, backed by leaders from the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and the Senate Homeland Security Committee, are targeting Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), which the Pentagon blacklisted in 2021 as a Chinese military company. Additionally, five of BGI's affiliates have faced sanctions from the U.S. Commerce Department, accused of misusing genetic information against ethnic minorities in China.

Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) stated in an NBC News interview that the legislation would prohibit federal contracts with BGI or any entity using its technology. This move is expected to significantly impact BGI's operations in the U.S. market.

Gary Peters (D-Mich.), chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) have introduced similar legislation in the Senate. With strong bipartisan and bicameral support, there is a substantial likelihood of these bills becoming law.

This legislation is part of a broader effort to safeguard Americans' health and genetic information from foreign adversaries, particularly those with the capability and intent to use such data against U.S. national security. BGI responded by asserting that the legislation would restrict competition and limit access to technologies, stating they do not collect patient samples or have access to personal genetic data. They also denied any control or linkage to the Chinese government or military.

However, lawmakers and intelligence officials like former counterintelligence chief Bill Evanina have expressed concerns about BGI's ties to the Chinese military and the potential risks posed by the collection of genetic data. The threat extends to the possibility of China using this information to create targeted bioweapons or enhance human capabilities, including for military purposes.