Congressman August Pfluger and U.S. Senator Steve Daines have called on Congress to pass the Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act. This legislation aims to fully fund the "Rip and Replace" program, which seeks to remove Chinese equipment from telecommunications networks in the United States.
In a letter addressed to Congress, the lawmakers emphasized the urgency of funding this initiative. They stated, “It is estimated that there are over 6,000 sites across the United States in need of this funding. Without it, Chinese equipment will continue to pose a significant national security risk to the United States homeland." The letter also highlighted potential consequences for rural and remote areas if funding is not secured: "Additionally, several recipients of previously deployed funding would have to shut down their networks, leaving many rural and remote areas of the country without access to basic broadband services."
The call for action comes amid growing concerns about national security risks associated with foreign telecommunications equipment.