Green Bay Reporter

Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Brittney Pettersen (D-CO), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) have introduced the Defend our Networks Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting American networks. The bill proposes using unobligated COVID-19 funds to replace Chinese-made telecommunications products with secure equipment, ensuring reliable and private connectivity for Americans.

According to a Fox News article, approximately 24,000 pieces of Chinese-made communications equipment are embedded in U.S. networks. This compromised equipment poses a threat to Americans' privacy and national security, as it could potentially be used for CCP spying. Addressing this issue is of utmost importance, as stated by Rep. Gallagher, who said, "The COVID-19 pandemic is over, but the threats posed by Chinese telecommunications companies like Huawei and ZTE are not. There are thousands of pieces of risky Chinese telecommunications equipment in U.S. networks and it's imperative we act with a sense of urgency to remove them."

Rep. Hinson emphasized the need for secure systems, stating, "Chinese technology is embedded in communications networks across the United States, giving the Chinese Communist Party backdoor access to Americans' personal information and sensitive data. The Defend Our Networks Act will ensure compromised Chinese telecom equipment is replaced with secure systems so that Americans, especially those in rural areas, have secure, reliable, and private connectivity."

Rep. Krishnamoorthi highlighted the national security risks posed by Chinese technology and emphasized the importance of fully funding efforts to replace vulnerable components. He said, "Communications equipment produced by companies under the influence of the CCP pose a serious risk to our national security, and fully funding efforts to replace the vulnerable components with secure ones is a vital step forward in safeguarding our technological infrastructure."

Rep. Houlahan expressed concern about the limited funding available to remove dangerous Chinese technology from American telecommunications networks. She stated, "This year, the Federal Communications Commission said they can only cover less than half of the costs to remove dangerous Chinese technology from American telecommunications networks. That is simply unacceptable." Rep. Houlahan further emphasized the need to strengthen the FCC's ability to safeguard technology and protect against potential attacks.

Rep. Pettersen also highlighted the need to protect rural wireless networks and defend against national security threats. She stated, "Chinese-supplied equipment can pose security risks to our nation's communications infrastructure. The FCC has now banned the purchase of this equipment, which is why we must invest to replace the older equipment still being used."

The Defend our Networks Act aims to address the risks associated with Chinese-made equipment in U.S. networks. The Federal Communications Commission has already taken steps to prohibit the purchase and use of Huawei and ZTE products. However, this equipment is still embedded throughout U.S. networks, presenting ongoing security concerns.

To address this issue, Congress previously passed the bipartisan Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, which created the Rip and Replace program. This program reimburses smaller communications providers for costs associated with removing and replacing at-risk equipment. However, the FCC has confirmed a $3.08 billion shortfall in the program, leaving carriers with limited resources to address the issue. This shortfall could result in compromised equipment remaining in use, particularly in rural areas, where communities often rely on a single carrier for communication services.

The Defend our Networks Act seeks to bridge this funding gap by using unobligated COVID-19 funds to replace Chinese-made telecommunications products with secure equipment. This bipartisan effort aims to protect Americans' privacy, enhance national security, and ensure reliable and private connectivity for all.

Click this link to access more information: https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-protect-american-networks