Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act, which fully funds the “Rip and Replace” program to remove Chinese equipment from our telecommunications networks. Without full funding, wireless and broadband providers across the United States will be saddled with billions of dollars in costs that could result in service blackouts and companies closing down. Senator Steve Daines of Montana introduced the Senate companion legislation, S. 4049.
“There are over 6,000 sites across the United States in need of this funding, 341 of which are in Texas alone,” said Representative August Pfluger. “The Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act is vital to our national security and to ensure rural communities do not lose access to basic connectivity. If left unfunded, Chinese equipment such as Huawei and ZTE will remain in our networks, including near areas of strategic importance, such as military bases and airports. Rural and remote areas would be hit the hardest as networks could shut down and eliminate the only mobile broadband service provider for entire communities.'
“Time is of the essence for Montanans who could lose 911 and cell service, and it is critical to our national security that we replace Chinese telecommunications equipment for our small and rural network providers,” said Senator Steve Daines. “We must get this done before it’s too late. Thank you, Congressman Pfluger, for taking the lead on this important bill in the House.
Background
The Rip and Replace program was created in 2020 to remove Chinese components from our wireless communications systems. The Rip and Replace fund needs an additional $3B in order to finish its mission. The continued use of Chinese telecommunications equipment is a major national security concern, especially in areas that serve military bases.
The “Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act” fully funds the Rip and Replace program by requiring the Federal Communications Commission to re-auction certain spectrum licenses that were recently returned to the Commission.
Supporting Organizations
The bill is supported by the CCA - Competitive Carriers Association, NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association, NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, WIA - Wireless Infrastructure Association, WTA - Advocates for Rural Broadband, WISPA – the Association for Broadband Without Boundaries, ITI - Information Technology Industry Council, Rural Wireless Association, and TIA – the Telecommunications Industry Association.
Other News from Rep. August Pfluger:
August 22, 2024
SCOTUS Decision Halting Noncitizen Voting
Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that the State of Arizona may enforce its law requiring election officials to reject state voter registration applications without documentary proof of citizenship: “The Supreme Court made a critical decision in protecting the American right to vote. Noncitizens, illegal immigrants, and foreign nationals do not have the right to vote in this country or determine the integrity of our elections. Americans deserve confidence in knowing that only legal citizens are casting their vote in the United States of America.”
August 26, 2024
Texas Cleaning Voter Rolls
Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) released a statement following Governor Greg Abbott’s announcement that 1 million ineligible voters have been purged from the voter rolls in the State of Texas.
“The integrity of our elections is paramount to the future of our country,” said Congressman August Pfluger. “I commend the State of Texas for cleaning up our voter rolls and ensuring that only legal votes are cast in our state. House Republicans have worked to enact legislation at the federal level that empowers all fifty states to purge their voter rolls of noncitizens, illegal aliens, and foreign nationals.”