(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks says having the Chinese Communist Party pay for Muscatine students’ travel to China is a bridge too far. Miller-Meeks released a written statement, acknowledging the historical connection Muscatine has with China and its president. ‘

Xi Jinping stayed with a Muscatine family in 1985 during a cultural exchange. However, Miller-Meeks points to a story in The Guardian about an eight day trip to China for 24 Muscatine students that was paid for by the Chinese government. She says the situation is a national security concern and a sobering reminder of China’s aim to infiltrate U-S institutions.

Miller-Meeks issued her statement at 5 p.m. Wednesday and Radio Iowa was unable to reach Muscatine school officials for comment.