Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C— House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01) issued the following statement after two Chinese nationals were charged with allegedly smuggling a dangerous pathogen, a fungus called "Fusarium graminearum," into the United States.

“The CCP will use every tool in its warfare toolbox to cripple the United States and bring us to our knees. A pathogen like this, if successfully introduced into a crop, could inflict significant economic loss for U.S. agriculture producers. Any disruption to our nation’s food supply could pose severe national and economic security risks. We must ensure a safe and stable food supply because millions across the world, including Americans depend on it. In the FY24 Intel Authorization Act that was signed into law, I championed an authorization for a counterintelligence office dedicated to supporting the USDA in understanding these types of threats to U.S. agriculture. Unfortunately, the Biden administration refused to implement this law and establish the office. I encourage DNI Gabbard to relook at this authority and determine an effective way forward.”

###