Kim introduces bipartisan bill to secure global telecom infrastructure

U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) last week cosponsored legislation to enhance U.S. efforts to promote secure telecommunications infrastructure around the world.

Specifically, the Securing Global Telecommunications Act, H.R. 4741, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning (D-NC), would require the U.S. State Department to develop a comprehensive strategy to promote trusted vendors in several categories of critical telecommunications infrastructure, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

“I’m proud to work on this important bill with Rep. Manning and will fight to get it across the finish line,” Rep. Kim said on July 21.

Additionally, the bipartisan bill would require the State Department to report to Congress on Chinese and Russian efforts to advance their interests at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and to identify opportunities for multilateral collaboration to promote secure telecom providers, the summary says.

“The Chinese Communist Party should not write the rules of the road for global networks. As adversaries move to dominate global telecommunications infrastructure, we must take steps to secure our networks and ensure the United States leads in global telecommunications standards,” said Rep. Kim. “The Securing Global Telecommunications Act will help the U.S. prioritize our national security, work with our allies to counter foreign malign influence, and boost U.S. competitiveness.”

H.R. 4741 also would authorize the International Digital Economic and Telecommunication Advisory Committee (IDET) to establish a permanent IDET private sector subcommittee.

“Russia and China are working to assert dominance over critical technologies such as 5G and AI. This poses a serious threat to national and global security,” Rep. Manning said. “The United States and our allies must counter these efforts by developing and deploying secure telecommunications and tech infrastructure.”

Reps. Kim and Manning introduced this bill during the 117th Congress. The measure on Sept. 20, 2022, received approval from the U.S. House of Representatives, but languished in the U.S. Senate.