New York, NY (December 21, 2023) – Committee of 100 today applauded the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Committee of eliminating damaging, counterproductive research security provisions from the bill’s final conference report. The House and Senate passed the legislation last week, and President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law. The National Defense Authorization Act is annual legislation that directs national defense policy and spending.
Committee of 100, a non-profit membership organization of prominent Chinese Americans, was concerned with several counterproductive research security provisions in the House version of the bill that would have hindered essential scientific collaboration and the advancement of federally funded research projects as well as hurt U.S. efforts to attract and retain a science and technology talent.
On November 2, Committee of 100 sent a letter to the National Defense Authorization Act conferees urging members to ensure that the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA conference agreement does not include security provisions that would have undermined the scientific ecosystem in the United States. The final bill eliminated those counterproductive provisions.
“Protecting our national security does not need to come at the expense of academic collaboration,” said Cindy Tsai, Interim President and Executive Director at Committee of 100. “Joint research between scientists in the United States and China has led to countless breakthroughs for humankind, and we are pleased that work can continue.”
Committee of 100 fully supports U.S. government-led efforts to combat threats to scientific and technological progress in our nation, promoting a dynamic research ecosystem while ensuring we can attract the best and brightest talent who will play a pivotal role in driving noteworthy advancements throughout the scientific and technological enterprise.
About Committee of 100
Committee of 100 is a non-profit U.S. leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, healthcare, and the arts focused on public policy engagement, civic engagement, and philanthropy. For over 30 years, Committee of 100 has served as a preeminent organization committed to the dual missions of promoting the full participation of Chinese Americans in all aspects of American life and constructive relations between the United States and Greater China. Visit https://www.committee100.org.
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