Livingston Today

Sens. Jonathan Lindsey and Lana Theis have called on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to halt payments to the Gotion battery plant following concerns over national security. In a letter addressed to MEDC Director Quentin Messer, the senators also requested that any funds already distributed be recouped.

Lindsey emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "National security experts from both sides of the aisle have sounded the alarm about China's attempts to infiltrate and compromise our safety through industrial espionage." He criticized Governor Gretchen Whitmer for ignoring these warnings and continuing to put the state and nation at risk by using taxpayer dollars to support the Gotion battery plant.

The senators' concerns are not unfounded. Last week, President Joe Biden's CIA Director, William Burns, identified China as the biggest long-term threat to the United States. Burns stated that China possesses the intent and power to reshape the international order in various domains, including economic, diplomatic, military, and technological spheres.

FBI Director Christopher Wray also testified before Congress last month, reiterating the security threat posed by China. Wray highlighted China's targeting of American freedoms and its efforts to silence, coerce, and threaten citizens and residents within the country. These concerns were echoed by former Obama administration CIA Director and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who specifically cited the Gotion battery plant as a potential threat to American security. Panetta warned that the construction of a factory in Michigan could expose the country to espionage and advised against providing any tax incentives to Gotion.

Senator Theis expressed frustration with the Whitmer administration's disregard for these concerns, stating, "The Whitmer administration has irresponsibly ignored concerns from local residents and calls from a bipartisan group of state and federal officials about the grave dangers this project poses." Theis emphasized the need to discard the project and recover any funds allocated for its development.

She further criticized the use of taxpayer funds to support initiatives that invite foreign adversaries, labeling it as "reprehensible" and calling for an end to such practices.

The letter addressed to MEDC Director Quentin Messer can be found attached to this email.

Senator Lana Theis urged individuals to subscribe to her email list to stay informed about state government matters.