(Texas Scorecard) – U.S. Rep. August Pfluger has introduced the Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act to provide additional funds for the “Rip and Replace” program, which removes Chinese equipment from U.S. telecommunications networks.
The measure awaits further action by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Without funding, wireless and broadband providers nationwide will face billions of dollars in costs that could result in service blackouts and companies closing down.
“There are over 6,000 sites across the United States in need of this funding, 341 of which are in Texas alone,” Pfluger (R-11) said in a press release.
He added, “The Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act is vital to our national security and to ensure rural communities do not lose access to basic connectivity.”
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), who introduced companion legislation in the Senate in March, thanked the Texas congressman for his leadership on the essential measure.
“We must get this done before it’s too late. Thank you, Congressman Pfluger, for taking the lead on this important bill in the House,” said Daines.
“Time is of the essence for Montanans who could lose 911 and cell service, and it is critical to our national security that we replace Chinese telecommunications equipment for our small and rural network providers,” he warned.
Created in 2020, the Rip and Replace program needs an additional $3 billion in funding to finish replacing Chinese equipment in wireless communications systems, as continued use poses a significant national security concern, especially in areas close to military bases.
“If left unfunded, Chinese equipment such as Huawei and ZTE will remain in our networks, including near areas of strategic importance, such as military bases and airports. Rural and remote areas would be hit the hardest as networks could shut down and eliminate the only mobile broadband service provider for entire communities,” Pfluger explained.
In support of the legislation, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association CEO Shirley Bloomfield stated, “Now, more than ever, it is critical that broadband providers have the resources necessary to remove insecure equipment from our nation’s telecommunications networks.”
Bloomfield added that the legislation would provide “the necessary funding to ensure that the United States’ networks do not remain vulnerable to potential espionage and disruption.”
Concern over China’s increasing infiltration of the country has also raised alarm in the field of education.
Recently, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the TRACE Act, requiring schools to notify parents of foreign funding they receive. The act would also allow parents to review curricula funded by other countries or adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party.
Additionally, Texas Scorecard reported in June that the GOP made the issue of foreign adversaries owning land in Texas a priority for the upcoming legislative session.
