Rep. William Timmons (SC-04), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, recently introduced H.R. 4493, the Promoting Secure 5G Act of 2021, which seeks to counter China’s efforts to expand its 5G influence in countries receiving assistance from international financial institutions. Original cosponsors of H.R. 4493 include Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05), Rep. French Hill (AR-02), Rep. Ted Budd (NC-13), and Rep. Bryan Steil (WI-01).
“In the global race to 5G, the U.S. faces not only economic challenges but also great national security concerns from foreign bad actors who seek to exploit the technology,” said Rep. William Timmons (SC-04). “With an aggressive China attempting to construct not only their own 5G network but also other countries’ networks, it is imperative that the United States have sound policy to help facilitate equitable competition in the 5G space. H.R. 4493, the Promoting Secure 5G Act, will help ensure every nation conforms to the standards of the global economy when it comes to 5G technology.”
“The security of our nation depends on our ability to adapt technologically,” said Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05). “China, who continues to act adversarial on many fronts, is racing us to the 5G finish line. It is critical for the United States to place a very heavy emphasis on national security and information security as we make this leap into 5G communications. With companies such as Huawei operating on behalf of the CCP, this legislation will be a crucial step in securely advancing our own 5G infrastructure and protecting our financing technologies. Therefore, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of Congressman Timmons’ bill.”
“America should be at the forefront of 5G technology – not only to compete with China, but to strengthen our national security and bolster our technological independence,” said Rep. French Hill (AR-02). “When the U.S. and our allies support financing wireless technology, this bill will make certain that International Financial Institution (IFIs) funds will set appropriate parameters to protect countries across the globe from China’s attempt to control the 5G market. I thank Rep. Timmons for leading this important charge and am proud to support his efforts.”
“Winning the race for 5G should be a top priority for our country,” said Rep. Ted Budd (NC-13). “I’m proud to join my colleagues to sponsor legislation that would bring our allies together to effectively counter China’s international push on 5G expansion. Make no mistake, America needs to lead the world on 5G, and the Promoting Secure 5G Act will help us accomplish that mission.”
“The United States must proactively respond to the global security threats posed by Communist China,” said Rep. Bryan Steil (WI-01). “Congressman Timmons’ bill will help prevent the Chinese government from misusing international institutions to finance compromised 5G networks around the world.”
Background:
The Promoting Secure 5G Act of 2021 would establish a U.S. policy at international financial institutions (IFIs) in support of financing for wireless technologies – including 5G networks – only if the technologies include appropriate security measures. This legislation would also require U.S. support for related infrastructure and policy reforms in countries benefiting from the IFIs, and it would encourage cooperation with U.S. allies to strengthen support for secure wireless technologies.
IFIs include the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and regional development banks such as the Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
