Washington, D.C. - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader for Communications and Technology Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) delivered remarks today and discussed several bipartisan bills that will secure America’s wireless networks and leadership in next-generation communications technology.
Excerpts and highlights from his remarks:
BIPARTISAN BILLS WILL SECURE OUR COMMUNICATIONS SUPPLY CHAIN
“Though we don’t agree with our Democrat colleagues on every issue, I’m proud of our bipartisan record when it comes to securing our communications supply chain. Our leadership in 5G, 6G, and beyond depends on ensuring that all parts of our networks are secure, and on having policies that encourage investment in wireless and innovative technologies in the United States.
“In April, this Committee held a bipartisan hearing on supply chain security issues, where there was bipartisan agreement that we must maintain our global wireless leadership and prevent adversaries like China from threatening our economic and national security. Today, I am pleased to see bipartisan bills before us that would help advance these goals.
“As part of this effort, I am working on legislation that would require the FCC to develop rules to stipulate that the Commission may not certify or authorize any radiofrequency device that originates from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region of the People’s Republic of China. This would assist in the effort to help end the forced labor abuses that have come to light in that region by the Chinese Communist Party. While this legislation is not being considered today, I hope my colleagues will work with me to advance that legislation going forward."
ADVANCING NEXT GENERATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
“The bills before us today are just a few important concepts to promote the next generation of secure technologies. We must also acknowledge the advancements being made by companies in the United States in these areas. 5G technology opened our eyes to many new vulnerabilities that come with advanced technologies, and as these companies have already begun work on 6G, they are developing innovative solutions to network security. We must ensure that Congress and federal agencies are up to date on these developments and prepared to knock down any barriers that may arise.
“I am pleased that we are continuing to build on this subcommittee’s tradition of bipartisanship on issues of national security and thank my friends across the aisle for holding a hearing on these bills.
“I will now yield the remainder of my time to my colleague from Ohio, Mr. Johnson."
