Rep. Jim Banks: Huawei Exploits Connectivity of Rural Communities to China's Advantage

Statement

Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN) released the following statement regarding the use of taxpayer funds to purchase components of Chinese telecommunications company, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. by participants in the rural broadband program. Rural communities rely on connectivity from smaller telecommunications companies, some of which use components from Huawei. The cheaper equipment gives them an advantage in the rural broadband market, which is in need of enhanced connectivity.

Unfortunately, the use of Huawei components poses a significant national security threat given the Chinese government's control of the company. The threats of espionage and cyber warfare via Huawei components is made even greater given the proximity of many of the rural broadband towers to military installations.

Said Rep. Banks, "Over 31 percent of rural Americans don't have access to broadband. While we build out rural connectivity, it cannot be done at the expense of national security. No more taxpayer funds should be used to purchase Huawei components. That's why I requested the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture to take a whole-of-government approach to ensure our national security is not compromised in the pursuit of rural broadband connectivity."

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