The National Review reported (October 28) that Representative Don Beyer, who has been
hawkish on China, moved swiftly to remove Barbara Hamlett, an employee who was
promoting Chinese influence operations in the US Congress. The Representative removed her
after being notified of the activity by security officials. The House Democratic staffer, Barbara
Hamlett, was fired after her outreach to other congressional aides allegedly on behalf of the
Chinese embassy was revealed this week. The National Review said Hamlett had requested
meetings with different congressional offices on behalf of people at the Chinese embassy, after
staffers in other offices reported being contacted by her. The House sergeant at arms (SAA)’s
office was apparently aware of two requested meetings “in the context of meals,” including at
Charlie Palmer Steak, a popular restaurant near the Capitol. One congressional aide told NR
that after he ignored several emails from Chinese embassy staff requesting a meeting about one
of his boss’s bills earlier this year, Hamlett, a 34-year veteran of Capitol Hill, called his office
and then showed up in person, asking him to step outside for a conversation. National Review
said also, that in recent weeks, Barbara Hamlett had attempted to schedule a separate meeting
between a Republican aide and a Chinese diplomat after that aide had, likewise, ignored emails
from Chinese embassy staff. After the staffer ignored her messages, she called and showed up
at the staffer’s office, asking to speak with him, which was viewed as highly suspicious
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