State Rep. Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville) today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for adopting security measures within the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes policies, programs and spending for the Department of Defense.

“The government is taking key precautions to protect national interests from foreign influence, yet Michigan Democrats are unwilling to take the same precautions at the state level,” said Meerman, who chairs the Michigan Legislature’s Working Group for National Security.

Meerman said he is especially pleased that the plan will:

• Establish a National Security Capital Forum to convene private sector entities, USG personnel, and allied and partner nation representatives to better facilitate strategically aligned international investments.

• Restrict defense funding for fundamental research collaboration with PRC entities that have been identified as a concern by the Department of Defense.

• Prohibit colleges and universities that conduct research funded by the Department of Defense from entering into agreements with foreign entities of concern.

• Add PRC drone manufacturer DJI to the FCC’s covered list, preventing future DJI products from operating in the U.S.

“We must take steps to protect our state’s interests just as Congress is moving to solidify national security against foreign influence. Concerning nations are aware of state funding sources such as SOAR and know that states are unable to conduct proper investigations of funding proposals, as we saw with Michigan’s hundred-million-dollar incentive awarded to Gotion, Inc.,” Meerman said. “Lansing Democrats have denied our reasonable security proposals and their budget put forth this week fails to do anything to prevent future funding of concerning entities.”

Meerman voted against the budget bills that were brought up for votes in the House chamber this week, noting insufficient security measures as one of many reasons for refusing to lend his support.

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