Energy and Commerce Committee approves Scalise’s Secure Equipment Act

U.S. House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) commended action by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, which passed his bipartisan legislation to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not approve radio frequency devices that pose a national security risk.

“I am happy that the Energy and Commerce Committee passed my bill, H.R. 3919, the Secure Equipment Act, which will prevent China from compromising America’s telecommunications network and threatening the safety and national security of the American people,” said Rep. Scalise, who sponsored the measure on June 15 with cosponsor U.S. Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA).

Specifically, H.R. 3919 would prohibit the FCC from reviewing or issuing new equipment licenses to companies on its Covered Equipment or Services List that pose a national security threat, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Scalise’s office.

For instance, the bill would prevent equipment manufactured by Chinese state-backed firms such as Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, and Dahua from being further utilized and marketed in the United States, the summary says.

“This bipartisan legislation that I introduced with Rep. Eshoo strengthens our national security and sends a strong signal to the Chinese Communist Party that America is committed to securing our networks and protecting the privacy and safety of our citizens,” Rep. Scalise said. “I look forward to seeing this bill move to the floor for a vote by the full House.”