• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Economy House bill would pay rural telecoms to ditch China-tied tech seen as spying risk: ‘rip and replace’
Economy

House bill would pay rural telecoms to ditch China-tied tech seen as spying risk: ‘rip and replace’

by November 7, 2023
by November 7, 2023 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

FIRST ON FOX – A bipartisan House coalition is moving to redirect COVID-19 relief money to beef up a program that helps telecom companies replace equipment made by Chinese Communist Party-affiliated companies. 

In 2020, Congress passed the bipartisan ‘Rip and Replace Program’ at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which reimburses smaller communications providers across the country for costs from removing, replacing and disposing of equipment manufactured by Huawei Technologies Company and ZTE Corporation – both of which present significant risks to U.S. national security due to their close connections to the Chinese government. 

There are roughly 24,000 pieces of Chinese-made communications equipment throughout U.S. telecom networks, and disposing them is critical to protecting the U.S. from spying and other threats. However, the Rip and Replace Program is currently facing a $3.08 billion shortfall and is only able to cover 40% of the expenses for eligible applicants – many of which operate in rural areas, putting those communities at risk for loss of service. The program has already received 126 applications beyond its budget.

On Monday, Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, as well Select Committee on the CCP Chairman Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., and his Democratic counterpart, ranking member Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, introduced the Defend our Networks Act, which will identify the funding needed to close the budget shortfall in the FCC’s program and transfer $3.08 billion in unobligated emergency COVID-relief funds to ‘Rip and Replace.’ 

‘If communication flows through Huawei or ZTE equipment, it should be treated as if it is being downloaded back to a server in Beijing with a full access pass for the CCP regime,’ Hinson said. 

‘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,’ she said.

‘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 reliable, secure, and private connectivity,’ she said. 

Krishnamoorthi said he is ‘proud to join my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Defend Our Networks Act to safeguard our communications infrastructure from potential vulnerabilities to the Chinese Communist Party.’

‘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,’ he added. 

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., who also co-authored the legislation, praised the ‘strong coalition of bipartisan partners’ moving the bill forward. 

‘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,’ she said.

‘I am proud to co-lead the Defend Our Networks Act alongside a strong coalition of bipartisan partners. This bill would strengthen the FCC’s ability to safeguard our technology, ensuring that Americans can be confident, knowing that none of our telecommunications systems are vulnerable to attacks because they contain Chinese software,’ she added. 

Just a few months ago in July, Hinson demanded an audit of ‘potentially compromised’ government telecommunications equipment after hackers breached the e-mails of the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and high-level State Department who were involved in planning the Biden administration’s trip to China.

‘If there is still telecommunications and video surveillance equipment produced by the PRC or PRC-linked entities in federal buildings it should be unplugged, ripped off the wall, and thrown where the sun doesn’t shine,’ she wrote in a letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. 

Brianna Herlihy is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
You Might Also Like
  • Biden classified docs scandal might require new rules for visiting presidents’ private homes, lawmaker says
  • House lawmakers leave DC until September with government shutdown deadline looming
  • Trump requests NY judge overturn guilty verdict, indictment after SCOTUS immunity ruling
  • 205 Democrats vote against bill forcing federal workers to return to the office as COVID winds down
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
Tlaib accuses Biden of ‘complicity’ in children’s deaths after claiming he supported ‘genocide’ in Gaza
next post
Special Counsel David Weiss prepared for ‘unprecedented’ testimony at House Judiciary on Hunter Biden probe

You may also like

PLUG Stock Buy or Sell – Latest News and Forecast

September 13, 2024

Energy workers haven’t forgotten and won’t forgive Biden for killing...

January 19, 2023

Florida Republican introduces impeachment articles against Joe Biden

August 13, 2023

Alabama lawmakers vote to rein in use of good behavior...

March 24, 2023

College anti-Israel agitators could be sent to Gaza under new...

May 9, 2024

Dems, GOP both won big victories and suffered defeats in...

December 25, 2023

WWIII could start over Philippines dispute in South China Sea,...

April 7, 2024

White House grounds evacuated after Secret Service discovers ‘unknown item’

July 3, 2023

Winners and losers emerge after guilty verdict in NY v....

May 31, 2024

Former Navy SEAL seeking to oust three-term Democratic senator builds...

August 18, 2023

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Nvidia results spark global chip rally

      May 30, 2025
    • Boeing to resume airplane deliveries to China next month, ramp up Max production, CEO says

      May 29, 2025
    • Nuclear Power Trio: OKLO, SMR, and CCJ in Focus

      May 29, 2025
    • Analyzing SIL, USO, and NVDA: Could These Bullish Patterns Trigger?

      May 29, 2025
    • E.l.f. Beauty to acquire Hailey Bieber skin care brand Rhode in up to $1 billion deal

      May 29, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,764 views
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,470 views
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 2,450 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,429 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,307 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,104)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,578)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • Nvidia results spark global chip rally

      May 30, 2025
    • Boeing to resume airplane deliveries to China next month, ramp...

      May 29, 2025
    • Nuclear Power Trio: OKLO, SMR, and CCJ in Focus

      May 29, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,104)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,578)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    English courts consider nixing mandatory wigs...

    May 19, 2024

    The dollar index rose above 102.50...

    October 7, 2024

    DeSantis meets with Kemp amid Trump...

    August 20, 2023
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here