Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), released the following statement after they re- introduced the bipartisan Transatlantic Telecommunications Security Act, legislation to authorize the U.S. Development Finance Corporation to provide financing for 5G telecommunications infrastructure development to our European allies and partners. The legislation seeks to increase resilience in countries in the region whose infrastructure deficit from the Soviet-era makes them especially vulnerable to malign Chinese influence, including among nations in the Three Seas Initiative. Additionally, this bill directs the Secretary of State and other relevant agency heads to prioritize diplomacy and project support for European allies and partners to develop 5G markets that are inclusive, transparent, economically viable, socially sustainable, and compliant with international law. Finally, this legislation ensures the United States is leading with our European allies to develop international 5G standards that favor democratic institutions, not further authoritarianism spread by China.
"I thank Congressman Kinzinger for joining me in re-introducing this important, bipartisan legislation today," said Rep. Kaptur. "The United States and our allies are facing increasing threats from state-linked companies in China as they seek to infiltrate and undermine democratic institutions. These companies pose an especially dire risk as our European allies and partners work to build out their 5G infrastructure. 5G networks will serve as the backbone of transatlantic telecommunications infrastructure for years to come, fostering greater development of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence. With those advances come immense national security and economic implications. That is why it is critical that these networks be kept safe from malign foreign influence. This legislation will help our European allies and partners finance 5G infrastructure development through the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, which will provide a viable, transparent alternative to insecure telecommunication equipment and service providers."
"The growing threat from Communist China, especially over the last few years, has made it increasingly important for the United States and our allies to shore up our shared communications," said Congressman Kinzinger. "I'm proud to reintroduce the Transatlantic Telecommunications Security Act with my colleague Rep. Kaptur as we work to ensure our allies are protected against the malign influences and infiltration from Chinese technology. With American assistance and innovation to central and Eastern European countries, we can further help defend the freedom of speech, press, and religion across the continent."
Original cosponsors of this legislation include: Reps. Michael McCaul, Gerald E. Connolly, Brian Fitzpatrick, Jim Costa, Joe Wilson, Tom Malinowski, Steve Chabot, C. A. Dutch Ruppersburger, August Pfluger, Mike Quigley, Michael Turner, Ruben Gallego, Tom Cole, Ed Case, Peter Meijer, Joseph D. Morelle, Claudia Tenney, David Trone, Elise Stefanik, Steve Cohen, and Seth Moulton.
Bill text can be found online here.