Washington, DC –Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), has introduced legislation to combat the influence of foreign-made devices in our nation’s high-speed internet framework.
H.R.1354 would create a study organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to investigate to what extent technology from companies like Huawei and ZTE, which the Chinese Communist Party controls, is a part of our telecommunications network.
“As we continue to expand broadband internet into rural communities, we need to ensure that we keep our national security in mind,” said Congressman Joyce. “Fighting to protect our communications networks from bad actors – like the Chinese Communist Party – must be at the forefront of our work. This legislation is a commonsense step towards securing our internet infrastructure.”
In addition, H.R.1354 would further require the DOC to provide an update to Congress on the resources necessary to fully source our broadband infrastructure from allies and domestically – thereby making it more difficult for foreign adversaries to interfere in the American telecommunications network. As advancements in spectrum and broadband technologies continue to grow, it’s critical that American manufacturers remain a global leader in inventing, building, and deploying high-speed and reliable devices to facilitate internet access.
Read the full text of Congressman Joyce’s legislation here.
