Committee Cracks Down on CCP Influence by Investigating Far-Left Nonprofit
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 16, 2023 | Committee Press Office (202-225-2761)
Today, as part of an ongoing oversight investigation of foreign interests manipulating U.S. nonprofits, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) led a letter to Code Pink President and Co-Founder Jodie Evans, conducting oversight into the organization's potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In part, the members wrote:
"Code Pink regularly engages in lobbying, protests, and extensive advocacy efforts regarding environmental and energy issues, particularly as it relates to America’s national security infrastructure… Code Pink also declares that the United States 'must downsize our military budget' to fight climate change. While these activities alone may be cause for disagreement, the Committee is concerned with Code Pink’s funding arrangements, potential funding by foreign nationals, and purported connections with the CCP…
"The CCP nonprofit influence machine reportedly now extends to Code Pink. On August 5, 2023, the New York Times reported that Code Pink 'is part of a lavishly funded influence campaign' that 'works closely with the Chinese government media machine' to promote the agenda of the CCP. Code Pink is purportedly funded by Neville Roy Singham, a self-proclaimed socialist and current 'benefactor of far-left causes,' who is now based in Shanghai, China. Photos show Mr. Singham regularly meeting with officials from the CCP, including at CCP propaganda forums.
"As you are aware, in 2017, you married Mr. Singham. As a self-proclaimed socialist and revolutionary, continuing to serve as President of the board of Code Pink, you have gone on the record refusing to criticize any policy of the CCP. Nonprofit records show that, since 2017, 'about a quarter of Code Pink’s donations—more than $1.4 million—have come from two groups linked to Mr. Singham.' The New York Times extensively detailed how, over a similar time period, your personal opinions and Code Pink’s position on China have both shifted to more closely align with the CCP’s agenda, alarming various left-wing and progressive organizations sympathetic with other goals of Code Pink.
"The Committee is concerned with the CCP’s growing attempts to influence American policies. The Committee is also concerned that the relationship between the CCP and Code Pink benefactors, board members, and staff may impact Code Pink’s political, advocacy, and lobbying activities relating to America’s environmental, natural resource, and energy policies. As you are aware, such political and lobbying activities may require compliance with the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)."
https://naturalresources.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415189