U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford brought federal, state and private-sector representatives together in Syracuse for a discussion of counterintelligence threats tied to the Chinese Communist Party.
The SCALE UP event at Hancock Air National Guard Base included classified and unclassified discussions about threats to government, critical infrastructure, businesses, agriculture and educational institutions, according to Tenney's office.
Tenney, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and Crawford heard from National Counterintelligence and Security Center Director Wes Street. Senior officials from the FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency also participated.
The roundtable included representatives from Army Counterintelligence Command, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Department of Homeland Security.
Cooperation focused on detecting foreign intelligence activity
Participants discussed ways federal, state and local officials can work with private-sector partners to detect, deter and disrupt foreign intelligence activity in Upstate New York and elsewhere in the United States.
Tenney said the risks extend beyond the theft of information to possible access to systems that support essential services. She said bringing federal experts together with local leaders was intended to connect the House committee's national-security work with institutions and infrastructure in Upstate New York.
Crawford said counterintelligence attacks may be quiet but still cause serious harm to the nation's security and economy. He called for reforms aimed at disrupting and neutralizing foreign intelligence operations before a major incident occurs.
The announcement did not identify the state, local or private-sector participants, disclose specific incidents discussed or outline any formal action resulting from the session.
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