Senator Young testifies about China biotech threats in House Armed Services committee hearing

Monday, April 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM

Last week, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) testified before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation about the importance of biotechnology to America’s national security and how the United States is locked in a competition with China on biotech.

On Tuesday, the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology released a report to Congress that encourages prioritizing biotechnology to maintain U.S leadership over China, bolster American manufacturing, and secure our supply chain resiliency. Young serves as chair of the Commission.

Excerpts from Young’s remarks are below:

“Today, the United States is locked in a competition with China that will define the coming century. This competition is playing out not only through arms races but also through the quest to dominate cutting edge technology. Biotechnology is the next phase is this competition.

“Biotechnology can help us maintain military superiority, ensuring our warfighters continue to be the strongest fighting force on tomorrow’s battlefields. Biotech will reshore supply chains and revitalize our manufacturing sector, creating American jobs for American workers creating American products right here in America.

“Biotechnology is no longer constrained to the realm of scientific achievement. It is now an imperative for national security, economic power, and global influence. The recommendations in our report represent our best chance to ensure biotechnology remains a hallmark of American innovation.”

To watch the full hearing, click here. To learn more about the NSCEB’s report, click here.