Capitol News

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 highlighted that he is particularly pleased with several aspects of the plan:

- Establishing 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.

- Restricting defense funding for fundamental research collaboration with PRC entities identified as a concern by the Department of Defense.

- Prohibiting colleges and universities conducting research funded by the Department of Defense from entering into agreements with foreign entities of concern.

- Adding 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 stated. “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 budget bills brought up for votes in the House chamber this week, citing insufficient security measures among his reasons for withholding support.

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