Central Wyoming News

Senator Barrasso emphasized the critical importance of protecting U.S. research and technology from foreign adversaries, particularly China, during a recent hearing. He expressed concern that the Department of Energy (DOE) is not taking adequate measures to safeguard its advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

“We can’t let our research and technology fall into the hands of China’s brutal dictatorship,” Barrasso stated, urging the DOE to enhance its protective efforts.

The senator highlighted the pivotal role of the DOE's 17 national labs in driving American innovation and maintaining national security. He pointed out that these labs house some of the world's most advanced computing systems, including two of the fastest supercomputers globally.

“These systems have pioneered advances in artificial intelligence and in quantum computing," he noted. "These are two fields that the People’s Republic of China does seek to dominate."

Barrasso detailed how China's extensive intelligence network targets U.S. research facilities. “Our labs are under constant surveillance by a branch of China’s intelligence network that focuses on science and technology,” he said, adding that this branch comprises about 100,000 agents.

He referenced a 2022 report by Strider Technologies titled "The Los Alamos Club," which revealed that between 1987 and 2021, over 160 Chinese nationals working at Los Alamos National Laboratory were targeted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Upon returning to China, these researchers reportedly contributed to advancing key military technologies using knowledge financed by American taxpayers.

“Today, thousands of non-U.S. resident Chinese nationals still work at our national labs,” Barrasso continued. While acknowledging that many strive for scientific innovation in good faith, he warned against potential coercion or bribery by the CCP.

Citing an incident earlier this year involving a former Google software engineer accused of stealing proprietary software for a Chinese firm, Barrasso underscored the persistent threat posed by espionage activities.

In response to Congress's 2020 mandate for a study on counterintelligence efforts at national labs, Barrasso criticized the DOE's handling of an unclassified report produced by MITRE in April 2023. He claimed that after receiving it, the Secretary of Energy classified the report and reassigned a key official without explanation.

“I have asked the Department to declassify the MITRE report and for the Department to come clean with the American people,” he stated. “The U.S. Department of Energy has refused.”

Barrasso concluded his remarks with a call for decisive action: “Mr. Chairman, we can’t let our research and technology fall into the hands of China’s brutal dictatorship.” He urged both increased departmental efforts and congressional intervention if necessary.

“I look forward to today’s testimony,” he added.