Myrtle Beach Leader

On the second anniversary of the Chinese spy balloon's downing off South Carolina's coast, Congressman Russell Fry has reintroduced the Chinese Spy Balloon Assessment Act. This legislation mandates a report from the Secretary of Defense on the intelligence capabilities of the high-altitude Chinese surveillance balloon and its effects on U.S. national security.

The balloon, controlled by China, entered U.S. airspace on January 28, 2023, and was shot down eight days later near Surfside Beach in Congressman Fry’s district. Despite demands for an explanation, no report was issued.

Initially introduced in December 2023 by Congressman Fry, the act seeks answers following a lack of response from the Biden administration over nearly a year. The bill requires a detailed report to Congress on national security impacts, including surveillance details on U.S. military sites and an analysis of recovered technology and materials.

“On the two-year anniversary of the Chinese spy balloon being shot down off the coast of South Carolina’s Seventh District, my constituents and the American people are still waiting on any kind of explanation as to what information the balloon was able to obtain,” said Congressman Fry. “After allowing the balloon to freely fly across our country for 8 days, the least President Biden could have done was provide a public report, but he did not. Fortunately, President Trump’s administration is centered around transparency. He has already released information on the East Coast drone sightings, and it is my hope the Chinese spy balloon will be the next mystery unraveled.”

Robert Wilkie, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs and co-Chair of AFPI’s Center for American Security stated: “Threats to our Nation’s security should be addressed promptly and decisively, and Congressman Fry rightly underscores the importance of the Department of Defense in handling these matters.” He further criticized what he saw as an absence of accountability during Biden's tenure compared to Trump's administration.

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and Daniel Webster (R-FL).

Congressman Fry serves on both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Judiciary Committee. Updates on his work can be found through his social media channels or website at fry.house.gov.