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Bipartisan Effort to Secure American Communications Infrastructure

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A pressing concern for national security and individual safety has driven a bipartisan effort to strengthen US telecommunications networks. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, and Rep. Anna Eshoo have introduced the Secure Equipment Act of 2021, which aims to prohibit equipment manufactured by entities that pose a threat to national security. This legislation has garnered support from both sides of the aisle, with FCC Commissioner Carr and FCC Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel commending the bipartisan effort.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Secure Equipment Act of 2021 aims to strengthen US telecommunications networks by prohibiting equipment manufactured by entities that pose a threat to national security.
  • The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Steve Scalise and Rep. Anna Eshoo, responds to concerns over Huawei and ZTE, Chinese state-directed companies that have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in equipment made by these companies.
  • FCC Commissioner Carr and FCC Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel have expressed support for the legislation, citing its importance in closing a glaring loophole exploited by Huawei and other entities to place insecure gear into US networks.
  • Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced similar legislation in the Senate last month, highlighting a bipartisan push to address this critical issue.
  • The Secure Equipment Act of 2021 seeks to develop a market for secure 5G alternatives and ensure that untrustworthy communications equipment is not authorized for use within US borders.
  • The legislation has the potential to impact the telecommunications industry, with providers investing in equipment made by Chinese state-directed companies that compromise national security.

Statistics:

  • Over a decade, Rep. Eshoo has fought to address vulnerabilities in US telecommunications infrastructure that directly impact national security.
  • Hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in equipment made by Huawei and ZTE, Chinese state-directed companies that sell compromised equipment.
  • The installation of insecure gear in US networks has been exploited by Huawei and other entities, posing a significant threat to national security.
  • The Secure Equipment Act of 2021 has been praised by FCC Commissioner Carr and FCC Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel for its potential to strengthen US telecommunications networks.

Sources:

  • Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana (June 15, 2021)
  • Rep. Anna Eshoo (June 15, 2021)
  • FCC Commissioner Carr (June 16, 2021)
  • FCC Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel (June 16, 2021)
  • Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) (last month)
  • Scalise, S. (2021). The Secure Equipment Act of 2021. (Source: https://scalise.house.gov/sites/scalise.house.gov/files/SCALIS_016_xml.pdf)

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