Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, along with Science, Space, and Technology (SST) Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK), U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-FL), and 10 of his House Republican SST colleagues, wrote to United States Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology Laurie E. Locascio, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III   

The FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) directed the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to conduct a study regarding the effects of the polices implemented by the CCP in the international market and to make recommendations that ensure the United States is the one setting these global standards, not China. In June 2021, NIST contracted this study, and the results were released in August 2022. However, it is not clear what recommendations our federal agencies are acting on and taking into consideration.   

Webster and his colleagues requested answers and additional information from the U.S. Trade Representative, the Director of National Intelligence, Department of State, Department of Defense, and the NIST to better understand what recommendations outlined in the report have been implemented to ensure American leadership and competitiveness, while focusing on innovation, transparency, and voluntary and merit-based standards.  

“As the People’s Republic of China (China or PRC) continues to invest billions in its efforts to surpass the United States in science and technology, there have been growing concerns about the PRC’s attempts to undermine international bodies responsible for developing technical standards,” the members wrote. “We respectfully request comments... on the recommendations found in the Congressionally mandated report, entitled A New ‘Great Game’?: China’s Role in International Standards for Emerging Technologies.”

Read the full text of the letters below:

• U.S. Trade Representative
• Director of National Intelligence
• Department of State
• Department of Defense
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Co-signers of the letters include Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Brandon Williams (R-NY), Tom Kean (R-NJ), Rick Crawford (R-AR), Mike Garcia (R-CA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Rich McCormick (R-GA), Dale Strong (R-AL), and Jim Baird (R-IN).

###