UNCLASSIFIED

January 8, 2021

The Honorable John Ratcliffe

Director of National Intelligence
Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Washington, D.C. 20511

Dear Director Ratcliffe:

House Intelligence Committee Republicans have conducted a long-standing investigation

into the rise of China as our foremost national security threat. This will remain a singular priority
for Committee Republicans in the new Congress.

As part of that probe, we are investigating the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Among the various theories of the pandemic’s origins, we’ve seen indicators that COVID-19
may have stemmed from dangerous research at laboratories in Wuhan, China, as evidenced by
statements by Deputy National Security Adviser Matt Pottinger and recent media stories,
including an in-depth article by Nicholson Baker. 1

As shown on the COVID Timeline (attached), the Wuhan Institute of Virology has a
history of mismanagement, poor safety practices, laboratory outbreaks, dangerous “gain of
function” research, and other questionable activities. Chinese military writings have emphasized
that biotechnology could become a new strategic component of Beijing’s “Revolution in Military
Affairs,” while China’s recent actions call into question the regime’s commitment to peaceful
research under the Biological Weapons Convention.

In light of the significance of these revelations, I am requesting that you provide our
Committee with a classified Congressional Notification addressing Chinese virologic research, to
include:
• An exact timeline of all research—and particularly “gain-of-function” studies—specific
to coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute of Virology and associated facilities;
• A counterintelligence assessment of all U.S. engagement with the Wuhan Institute of
Virology on coronaviruses, including U.S. sponsored research and funding, scientific and
diplomatic engagements, technology transfers, and affiliated or sponsored non-
governmental organization (NGO) engagements;

1
Nicholson Baker, “The Lab-Leak Hypothesis,” New York Magazine, January 4, 2021, available at
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/coronavirus-lab-escape-theory.html.

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• An explanation of significant changes in Intelligence Community (IC) analysis, or the

evolution of such analysis, related to the origin of SARS-COV-2, research activities in
Wuhan labs, efforts by China to block international investigations of a possible lab leak,
and actions taken by Chinese authorities that increased COVID-19 worldwide lethality
and economic disruptions;

• An assessment of Chinese adherence to international agreements that require disclosure

and cooperation in the event of a viral outbreak such as COVID-19.

I would appreciate your making this response a priority for the IC given the great
variance in explanations for COVID-19 origins and Chinese behavior that we are receiving from
government, scientific, and media sources.

Attachments [2]:
COVID Timeline
“The Lab-Leak Hypothesis”

Cc: The Honorable Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

Mr. Christopher C. Miller, Acting Secretary of Defense

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