State Rep. Mike Hoadley (R-Au Gres) today introduced a bill to curb hostile foreign influence in Michigan. House Bill 4241 would ban hostile foreign entities on the federal watchlist from receiving public economic incentives from the state.

Foreign entities barred from being awarded economic incentives would consist of: the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Cuba, the Venezuelan regime of Nicolas Maduro, and the Syrian Arab Republic.

“Our national security is at stake when hostile powers operate within our state borders,” Hoadley said. “These threats are exponentially greater when they receive financial support and public funding. There is no scenario where our enemies should ever receive taxpayer funding and I will always fight to keep our communities and residents safe.”

The bill is part of a larger package introduced today by Michigan House Republicans which aims to:

• Prevent foreign entities of concern from collecting sensitive information by blocking prohibited apps on government devices.
• Prohibit public bodies from entering into constraining agreements with foreign countries of concern.
• Protect the personal health information of Michigan residents by ensuring health care record technology is physically maintained in the U.S. or Canada.
• Protect the safety of Michiganders by preventing entities of concern from purchasing land and surveilling military bases and other critical infrastructure.

The bill package comes after several national security threats have reportedly arisen in the state the past few years, including Chinese nationals caught spying on American troops at Camp Grayling and financial incentives going toward Gotion. Hoadley, an Army veteran, said these bills are crucial to protect not only Michigan residents, but also U.S. servicemembers.

“We must ensure our adversaries can never get anywhere near our military bases or our troops,” Hoadley said. “We have a duty to keep those brave men and women who wear the uniform safe. I sincerely hope all my colleagues and the governor feel the same way.”

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