Introduction
The Defend Our Networks Act, introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, aims to address national security concerns by providing funding to rural telecommunications companies to replace equipment from Chinese tech giants.
Bill Overview
The proposed House bill seeks to allocate $3.08 billion in unobligated COVID-19 emergency funding to support the Federal Communications Commission’s “Rip and Replace Program.” This program is designed to remove and substitute communications equipment from Chinese telecom companies Huawei and ZTE, both flagged for their ties to the CCP.
Funding Shortfall
The Rip and Replace Program has received 126 applications from rural telecom companies, but currently lacks the necessary funds to fulfill these requests. The Defend Our Networks Act addresses this shortfall in funding.
Legislation Backers
The bill was introduced by Rep. Ashley Hinson, Iowa Republican, alongside Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chair Mike Gallagher, Wisconsin Republican, and committee ranking member Raja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois Democrat.
National Security Concerns
Mrs. Hinson emphasized the prevalence of Chinese tech in American communications networks, highlighting the potential threat to personal information and sensitive data. The bill aims to tackle the issue of backdoor access to Americans’ data facilitated by Chinese telecom equipment.
Equipment Statistics
Approximately 24,000 pieces of equipment from Chinese telecom companies are currently integrated into rural communications networks across the United States.
Government Action
The Biden administration has already prohibited the purchase of new equipment from Huawei and ZTE, citing national security risks. The Federal Communications Commission has also mandated the removal of existing Chinese telecom equipment from U.S. networks.
Urgency of Action
According to Mr. Gallagher, urgent action is necessary to address the presence of thousands of potentially risky Chinese telecommunications equipment within U.S. networks.
By addressing the funding gap and emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the Defend Our Networks Act seeks to mitigate national security risks associated with Chinese-linked telecom equipment.
