When it comes to biotechnology dominance, "the race is on with China," Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, told Newsmax on Wednesday.
Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake Up America Early," Sessions warned that the United States must move faster to develop and approve new medical technologies while working more closely with allied nations to counter China's growing influence in the biotech sector.
"The race is on with China," Sessions said. "Their toolkit, their ability to be able to develop drugs that then they control and are not part of the normal systems that give protections to not just consumers, but also to countries, is why we're doing this. It's a real race."
Sessions highlighted a proposed amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would allow the Food and Drug Administration to more efficiently review research and clinical-trial data generated in allied countries with regulatory systems similar to that of the United States.
The Texas Republican said leveraging data from trusted partners such as France, Germany, Italy, and Japan could help speed lifesaving treatments to American patients while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
Biotechnology has emerged as a key battleground in U.S.-China competition, with policymakers increasingly concerned about Beijing's investments in pharmaceuticals, genetics, and advanced medical research.
Congressional leaders from both parties have warned that China's growing capabilities could pose economic and national security challenges if the United States falls behind.
Sessions also pointed to the high cost of bringing new drugs to market, saying FDA approval and regulatory compliance can cost companies roughly $1 billion.
He noted that many biotech startups spend significant portions of their investment capital navigating regulatory hurdles before products ever reach consumers.
"That means that it cuts off innovation," Sessions said, arguing that excessive costs and delays can allow foreign competitors to gain an advantage.
The congressman said advances in biotechnology affect a wide range of medical fields, including cardiology, blood-related disorders, and retinal diseases.
Strengthening the U.S. biotech sector, he argued, would benefit patients while helping maintain America's leadership in cutting-edge medical innovation.
Sessions also weighed in on President Donald Trump's planned meeting with Senate Republicans, saying GOP lawmakers must unite behind the president's legislative agenda ahead of November.
"We as Republicans need to come together," Sessions said. "We've got to do it."
The congressman expressed confidence that Senate Republicans can resolve differences over key legislation, including Trump priorities such as the SAVE America Act, while advancing other measures important to the administration and the country.
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