Washington, July 17: U.S. senators and state security officials have issued a warning that China is increasingly targeting American states and critical infrastructure through espionage, cyber intrusions, influence campaigns, and economic pressure. During a hearing with the House Intelligence Committee, they emphasized that local governments have become a crucial part of America’s counterintelligence efforts.
Members of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, along with representatives from state fusion centers and legislatures, noted that threats from foreign intelligence agencies are no longer confined to Washington. States, cities, universities, and private businesses have now become the first line of defense for U.S. national security.
Committee Chairman Rick Crawford stated that China has adopted a strategy that involves the entire society, attempting to influence the U.S. through various means that extend far beyond traditional espionage.
Crawford remarked, “Beijing prepares itself for advantage long before any conventional conflict begins, leveraging legal investments, supply chains, research partnerships, cyber intrusions, influence operations, and economic pressure.”
He warned that China’s activities are often designed to remain below the threshold of armed conflict, making the U.S. an increasingly contested area.
Crawford emphasized the need for greater awareness of these threats to the freedoms, security, and way of life of the American people. He called for stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local officials.
Ranking member Jim Himes stated that counterintelligence can no longer be solely the responsibility of federal agencies.
Himes pointed out, “The title of this hearing reflects the fundamental truth that the country is indeed working on the front lines.” He urged policymakers to strike the right balance between combating foreign intelligence threats and protecting civil liberties, ensuring fair treatment of citizens, legal residents, and visitors, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or nationality.
Mike Sena, president of the National Fusion Center Association, informed senators that foreign intelligence services, particularly from the PRC, Russia, Iran, and others, are rapidly targeting state and local governments, universities, critical infrastructure operators, and private industries.
Sena stated, “As a result, state and local partners are often the first to observe indicators related to espionage, cyber activities, foreign influence, supply chain compromises, and economic targeting.”
He mentioned that over 3,200 individuals working in 80 fusion centers share intelligence analysis and information with federal, state, and local partners. However, he noted that the current system faces obstacles due to classification issues, disparate databases, varied funding, and delays in security clearances.
Sena urged Congress to create a national counterintelligence information-sharing framework, increase federal involvement in fusion centers, and enhance training and resources.
Additionally, Alabama Fusion Center Director Jay Mosley stated that counterintelligence is no longer limited to Washington. He emphasized that reliable relationships between local, state, and federal agencies are essential for identifying suspicious activities before they escalate into significant national security threats.
Florida State Representative Daniel Alvarez remarked that the role of states in homeland security should be strengthened.
He stated, “Florida will not wait for the federal government to ensure the safety of its people.” Alvarez also noted that state-level counterintelligence efforts should focus on behavior rather than an individual’s political views, ethnicity, or religion while protecting constitutional rights.
Nebraska State Senator Elliot Bostar discussed legal efforts to prevent the use of telecommunications equipment deemed a threat to national security and to mitigate vulnerabilities linked to foreign adversaries. He called for greater coordination between Congress and state governments to strengthen America’s counterintelligence posture.
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