20th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit trade, trade-based money laundering, adversarial foreign investments, adversarial threats
Congressman Katko of Syracuse, New York, first thanks Congressman Pittenger for the opportunity to talk at the forum. First, the Congressman coins his line for his talk – Economic Security is Homeland Security. He argues that right now is the tipping point in the US’ history in regard to foreign intelligence. He cites some facts about the Southern border; for example, each person pays about $4-5k to cross the border illegally, and those in cartels and such that help such people enter the
USA illegally earn up to $350k each year, and cartels make up to $750 million – $1 billion a month. Not only is the border a problem though; China poses the biggest threat to foreign intelligence in the USA.
Congressman Katko claims the US needs to counter, curb, and compete. First, the US and Allies need to counter China’s infiltrating efforts through smart policy. Then, once brought to the table, Allies need to curb China’s long-term efforts. For example, the Chinese government pays universities in the United States millions each semester in order for students to just study in the US, then take their talent back home. The USA needs to learn how to play the long game, then win at it. Lastly, Congressman Katko argues, Allies and China will be in a stage of competition. In coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, entities across the country need to work to end Chinese theft of American innovation, and work to play the long game to win.
