Duval Times

Gotion Incorporated, a company linked to the Chinese Communist Party, has developed an industrial site near a U.S. military installation in Mecosta County, Michigan. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) did not investigate or block this development, raising concerns about national security.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and Representative John Moolenaar, along with other colleagues, have sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen questioning CFIUS's decision-making process and urging updates to its rules. They stated: "We write to express our deep concern regarding the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s apparent failure to block Gotion Incorporated (Gotion)—an entity with deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)—from developing a large industrial site near a major U.S. military installation."

The letter emphasized that "given CFIUS’ failure to launch a review of Gotion’s site development when the project was first publicly announced two years ago, it is now imperative that CFIUS update its proposed rulemaking to clarify the Committee’s ability to conduct retroactive reviews of covered greenfield investments that it previously failed to address."

Joining Rubio and Moolenaar were Senators Tom Cotton, Mike Braun, Joni Ernst, and Representatives Lisa McClain, Bill Huizenga, Jack Bergman, John James, and Tim Walberg.

In June 2023, Gotion claimed its plans were outside CFIUS's jurisdiction due to regulations concerning foreign entities purchasing real estate near sensitive military bases. However, according to CFIUS's geographic reference tool, Gotion's site is within 60 miles of Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center.

The lawmakers are seeking answers from CFIUS on why Camp Grayling was not designated as covered real estate until July 2024 and what actions will be taken against Gotion's plant construction given its proximity to the military installation.

They concluded by requesting clarification on whether CFIUS will commit "to clarify its authority to conduct retroactive reviews of covered greenfield investments that have slipped under CFIUS’ radar."