Central Missouri News

Washington, DC - Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) is leading a bicameral effort to address concerns over a manufacturing facility being constructed in Johnson County, Kansas. The facility, being built by Cnano Technologies, has been linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Congressman Alford, along with Senator Eric Schmitt (MO) and Congressman Jake LaTurner (KS-02), has sent a letter to Secretaries Yellen and Austin seeking information about the project and the company's connection to the CCP.

In addition to the letter, several other lawmakers have expressed their concerns and signed onto the effort. The letter was also signed by Senator Roger Marshall (KS), Senator Josh Hawley (MO), Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), and Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07).

The lawmakers involved in this effort are deeply concerned about the construction of this manufacturing facility. Congressman Alford stated, "The CCP's brazen aggressions around the globe cannot be tolerated. We deserve to know what knowledge Secretaries Yellen and Austin have of this construction, any information about the company's connection to the Communist regime, and what is being done to halt this project."

Senator Eric Schmitt echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need to protect critical military infrastructure from CCP espionage. He stated, "Allowing a CCP entity to set up shop in the backyard of military installations like Whiteman AFB, Fort Leavenworth, and the Kansas City National Security Campus is completely unacceptable."

Congressman Jake LaTurner expressed his strong opposition to Cnano Technologies and the threat it poses to national and economic security. He said, "Allowing the CCP to set up shop in Johnson County and infiltrate our supply chains and critical military installations is unacceptable. The Biden administration must take action to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from expanding its foothold in Kansas and other states across the country."

Senator Roger Marshall emphasized the need for caution when it comes to any company with potential ties to the CCP. He stated, "We've called for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) to review Cnano and are fighting for a CFIUS review that would also help reveal red flags about this company. I'm optimistic these investigations will uncover any information Kansans and elected officials need to understand and address any potential national security threat right here in our backyard."

Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer highlighted the previous breaches of U.S. military bases by Chinese nationals and the purchase of American farmland near military bases by individuals with ties to the CCP. He stated, "It would be both irresponsible and unacceptable for the Secretary of Treasury to ignore the latest CCP-linked land purchase. My colleagues and I vehemently urge her to grant CFIUS jurisdiction to review the transaction."

Congressman Sam Graves expressed his concerns about allowing a company closely tied to the CCP to have access to a facility near critical national security assets. He called for a close review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and urged similar scrutiny of foreign investments in the area.

Congressman Eric Burlison emphasized the need for immediate action and investigation by CFIUS to assess the national security threat posed by Cnano USA. He stated, "A rapid response from the Biden Administration is crucial to safeguard our critical military assets and curb the risk of our adversary, China, obtaining new information about us."

This bipartisan effort led by Congressman Alford and supported by several lawmakers highlights the growing concerns over Chinese influence and the need to protect national security interests. The lawmakers are calling on the Biden administration to take swift action and address these concerns to ensure the safety and security of the United States.

For media inquiries, please contact Austin Higginbotham at Austin.Higginbotham@mail.house.gov.