Dayton Reporter

Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) Subcommittee on NSA & Cyber and a member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has led his Republican colleagues in requesting a briefing from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The request focuses on national security and personal data concerns related to Temu, a CCP-linked entity, and its parent company, Pinduoduo (PDD).

In a letter signed by all HPSCI Republicans to FBI Director Christopher Wray and SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, members highlight connections between PDD, which is listed on NASDAQ, and potential issues involving trade, slave labor, and national security.

The HPSCI Republican members write in the letter:

"We are concerned about the protection of Americans’ data. Analogous to Congress’ action on TikTok, the relationship between the Chinese Communist Party, Chinese national security laws, and Americans' data must be understood. We have concerns that the CCP has undertaken yet another attempt to exploit democracy, free market principles, and the personal and economic data of the United States."

Given these concerns, they request a joint briefing from both agencies to address several points:

- Whether the FBI has provided any intelligence to the SEC regarding any raised issues.

- If the SEC has requested intelligence about PDD and Temu.

- What assistance has been provided by other intelligence agencies.

- Reasons for lack of assistance if applicable.

- Whether SEC regularly receives or requests intelligence products from the Intelligence Community.

- Laws or policies hindering greater information sharing between these entities.

Additionally, they seek examples where recent coordination between FBI and SEC occurred on similar issues:

- How such coordination began.

- The outcomes achieved.

- Entities involved in these efforts.

The full letter can be read HERE.