Sens. Cruz, Cornyn, Rep. Hurd Highlight National Security Concerns with Chinese Investment in Val Verde Project

HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and John Cornyn (R-Texas), along with Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas), today sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin detailing their concerns about reports that the primary investor in a wind farm near Laughlin Air Force Base (AFB) in Val Verde County has connections to the Chinese Communist Party, potentially undermining American national security.

In the letter, they wrote:

"There is concern that a project with ties to the Chinese Communist Party in such close proximity to the area where these pilots are training could threaten our competitive edge and our national security [...]

"Given the sensitive nature of this matter and in order to protect the integrity of the CFIUS review process, we request that you or your staff provide a classified briefing on these reports to determine their accuracy, validity, and relevance to national security."

The full letter can be read below.

The Honorable Steven T. Mnuchin
Secretary
U.S. Department of Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.
Washington, DC 20220

Dear Secretary Mnuchin,

We write today to relay concerns expressed by our constituents regarding a proposed wind farm near Laughlin Air Force Base (AFB) in Val Verde County, Texas. Reports indicate the primary investor in the project has connections to the Chinese Communist Party. As Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), you have primary jurisdiction for reviewing this matter given CFIUS jurisdiction over proposed investment transactions close to military installations.

Laughlin AFB is one such installation designated in part 802 of CFIUS regulations. This installation houses the training grounds for our world class Air Force pilots, many of whom are future F-35 and B-21 pilots. There is concern that a project with ties to the Chinese Communist Party in such close proximity to the area where these pilots are training could threaten our competitive edge and our national security.

Finally, given the sensitive nature of this matter and in order to protect the integrity of the CFIUS review process, we request that you or your staff provide a classified briefing on these reports to determine their accuracy, validity, and relevance to national security.

Sincerely,

/s/

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