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Today, Congressman Bill Posey (R-FL) and 12 of his colleagues wrote to high level administration officials seeking answers on ways to combat the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) growing influence that undermines international standard bodies, while disadvantaging American employers and their employees.  Our strategy to address this threat should focus on innovation, transparency, and voluntary and merit-based standards. This approach will ensure American leadership and competitiveness when setting standards in these international bodies.   

Congressman Posey was joined by Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK), Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL), Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL), Rep. Brandon Williams (R-NY), Rep. Tom Kean (R-NJ), Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR), Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA), Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA), Rep. Dale Strong (R-AL), and Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN).

“The Chinese Communist Party is looking to gain control of the international standards community by increasing participants, proposals, and leadership positions in these international organizations,” said Congressman Bill Posey. “It is crucial to protect American interests at these standard-setting bodies so that we remain a leader in developing technical standards.”

“It is imperative that we remain on the same page in our response to the CCP's push to set global standards. We must defend America’s seat at the table from our adversaries as an increasing number of Chinese companies assert their influence on international standards bodies. We owe it to domestic industry to be vigilant. I commend the initiative of Rep. Posey and hope that the agencies addressed in these letters address our inquiries,” stated Congressman Brandon Williams.

“As a Representative of North Alabama, I prioritize putting America First. When the Chinese Communist Party is able to set international standards, they will ensure that the CCP has the advantage. Congress must force the Biden Administration to put more resources in protecting American innovation, designs, and standards,” Congressman Dale Strong emphasized.

“It is important that the US is the one setting the standards on a global platform rather than adversaries like China,” said Congressman Rich McCormick. 

The FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) directed National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) “…to conduct a study and make recommendations…to the effect of the policies of the PRC…on international bodies engaged in developing and setting international standards for emerging technologies.” Our letters seek answers from the U.S. Trade Representative, the Director of National Intelligence, Department of State, Department of Defense, and the NIST on the findings and recommendations of the study authorized by the FY21 NDAA.
   September 3, 2024 Response from the Department of Defense