CONGRESSMAN COSTA ISSUES STATEMENT ON ONGOING THREAT OF ILLEGAL BIOLOGICAL LABORATORIES

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement regarding the recent federal and local law enforcement action in Las Vegas involving a suspected biological laboratory and ongoing concerns about illegal lab operations:

“The announcement of the recent federal and local law enforcement raid in Las Vegas doesn’t come as a surprise. I’ve been ringing the alarm since 2023, when my constituents experienced a similar threat from an illegal Chinese lab operating in Reedley, California, storing dangerous pathogens and exposing serious gaps in federal oversight.

That is why I led bipartisan legislation through H.R. 5747, Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act, which strengthens federal oversight of high-containment labs and provides authorities with the tools to identify and shut down illegal operations, and H.R. 3099, STOP Health Threats Act, which equips local first responders and law enforcement with training and resources to better recognize and respond to serious public health threats.

As this threat persists, I’m continuing to work closely with local, state, and federal partners to address these risks, and I urge Congress to pass my legislation to protect our communities and safeguard public health.”