WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, Congressman Brian Babin (R-TX), Chairman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI), Chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) wrote to eleven federal agencies, urging them to identify the vulnerabilities in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs and work to ensure that innovation developed by American small businesses stays out of the hands of our foreign adversaries and the Chinese Communist Party.

Quote Attributable to Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business:

“Small businesses are the backbone of innovation, driving economic growth and strengthening American competitiveness on the world stage,” said Chairman Williams. “The SBIR and STTR programs help drive the groundbreaking advancements of Main Street America by funding small business development of cutting-edge technology. Unfortunately, a serious lack of oversight of these programs has allowed the CCP to target strategic innovations and extract sensitive information, putting our national security at risk. We stand ready to work with these federal agencies to safeguard American innovation and put Main Street America above our foreign adversaries.”

Quote Attributable to Congressman Brian Babin (R-TX), Chairman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology:

"Our nation’s SBIR and STTR programs are vital programs that empower small businesses across the country to innovate and grow by providing crucial federal funding for technology development," said Chairman Babin. "However, it is unacceptable that these programs—designed to support American businesses and further our research— could be exploited by the CCP, undermining our homegrown innovation and talent. Moving forward, Congress must collaborate with federal agencies to strengthen research security, enhance transparency, and ensure greater oversight. If we want to maintain our leadership in science and technology, especially with the contributions of our nation’s small businesses, these measures are essential."

Quote Attributable to Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI), Chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP):

“China has systematically exploited American innovation to advance its military and economic objectives, threatening our national security and global competitiveness. Our collaboration with the Small Business and Science, Space, and Technology Committees marks a significant first step in protecting the future of American innovation and ensuring that SBIR and STTR funds are used to support our small businesses, not our adversaries. The severity of this issue demands a full investigation to protect American technology funded by our hard-earned tax dollars and prevent further exploitation by foreign adversaries."

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