SE Minnesota News

Congressman Brad Finstad, who represents Minnesota’s 1st district in the U.S. House of Representatives and serves on the House Armed Services Committee, has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening U.S. awareness of China’s military and economic activities.

The proposed Strategic Transparency Act seeks to extend the Annual Report on Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China through 2030. The bill would also broaden the report’s scope to include analysis of nuclear and drone development, foreign farmland acquisitions, cyber capabilities, and biotechnology advancements.

“China’s growing military and economic influence is one of the greatest threats to our national security, which is why it is critical that we have the most accurate reporting on China’s evolving capabilities. The Strategic Transparency Act ensures America has the information needed to stay prepared, protect our security, and defend our way of life," said Rep. Finstad.

The annual report was first mandated by Congress under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. It provides a detailed review for lawmakers on China’s military strategy, including technology development and future plans for its armed forces over a twenty-year period. The report also covers U.S.-China engagement on security matters such as military contacts and outlines strategies for managing both cooperation and competition between the two countries.

Without legislative action, authorization for this annual report will expire in January next year.

Brad Finstad has represented Minnesota's 1st District in Congress since 2022 after replacing Jim Hagedorn. He previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009 (https://finstad.house.gov/about). Born in New Ulm in 1976, Finstad holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/F000484).