Utilizing Strategic Allied Telecommunications Act of 2020

Floor Speech

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Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for H.R. 6624, the USA Telecommunications Act.

It is clear that China poses a significant threat to the security of the United States. Technology produced by Chinese companies threatens our supply chains and our telecommunications networks and those of our allies.

In March, President Trump signed into law legislation that was reported out of this committee to protect our communications networks against threats from foreign companies like Huawei and ZTE.

It is clear that America must have a competitive 5G marketplace. The solution isn't using government control like China, but using markets to our advantage so domestic and trusted foreign competitors to Huawei can thrive.

The USA Telecommunications Act would authorize up to $750 million for a grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, in consultation with the FCC and other Federal agencies, to promote and accelerate the deployment and use of open-interfaced, standards-based, and interoperable 5G networks throughout the United States.

Furthermore, 5G is going to be key to unlocking new opportunities for all Americans. With more people working and studying from home than ever before, promoting equipment and technology development like Open RAN technology can help to diversify our supply chains and keep our networks secure, especially as we expand 5G.

I was proud to introduce this piece of legislation with Chairman Pallone, Ranking Member Walden, and Congresswoman Doris Matsui, and I thank them for working with me to help protect our networks. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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