Federal bill examines security risks posed by China

Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) and two other U.S. Congress members recently reintroduced legislation that would increase cooperation between the United States and its allies to identify and counter security risks posed by Chinese Communist Party-linked companies in 5G.

The Promoting US International Leadership in 5G Act would also require the State Department to develop a diplomatic strategy to increase engagement with its partners at international standards setting bodies and increase economic competitiveness.

Passage of the bill would create up to 3 million jobs, the lawmakers said.

“With the Chinese Communist Party escalating its authoritarianism and malign behavior around the world, it is critical for the United States to provide the free world with an alternative to China’s dangerous, state-run technologies,” Reschenthaler said. “As a member of the China Task Force, I am proud to join Ranking Member McCaul to introduce the Promoting United States International Leadership in 5G Act. This legislation will increase our leadership and competitiveness in 5G, require engagement with our allies to set international standards and mitigation efforts to counter the security risks posed by Chinese technologies, and protect our shared national security interests for years to come.”

Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX), House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican, and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) co-reintroduced the bill.