Washington, D.C. - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers delivered remarks today at a Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing on securing our networks and beating China.
Excerpts and highlights from her remarks:
AMERICAN WIRELESS LEADERSHIP
“With recent cyberattacks on our critical infrastructure and priorities to secure America’s competitive edge from adversaries like Russia and China, it’s crucial we continue to bolster our economic success and global leadership.
“We do not want the Chinese Communist Party setting the standards for 5G and 6G. America must be at the forefront. It’s our duty to find solutions that ensure a robust and secure supply chain for our communications networks."
SECURING OUR NETWORKS THROUGH BIPARTISANSHIP
“Today, I am pleased that we are considering bipartisan legislation that builds on our past achievements to advance our economic and national security.
“We worked together to pass the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act because we all agree that we need to stop our adversaries from placing their equipment in our networks.
“For communication networks, we’ve also taken concrete actions to facilitate and support the next wave of innovation, including Open-RAN technology, to increase vendor diversity and strengthen American and allied companies.
“Now, we must work together to strengthen the security of our networks as industry deploys advanced technologies.
“We have a slate of important legislation we are discussing today, including H.R. 4028, Mr. Long’s ICT Strategy Act, which would direct NTIA to identify which components or technologies are critical, and possibly vulnerable, in networks in the United States.
“NTIA would use this information to develop a whole of government strategy to ensure the economic competitiveness of trusted communications technology vendors.
“It is critical that we push back against Huawei and others who are undercutting the trusted supply chain.
“I will now yield one minute to my colleague Mr. Duncan to talk about his bipartisan bill."