Cortez Masto, Cruz Bow Anti-5G Nationalization E-Frontier Act

Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, filed their Eliminate From Regulators Opportunities to Nationalize The Internet in Every Respect (E-Frontier) Act Monday in a bid to formally bar President Donald Trump's administration from proposing the U.S. build a national 5G network without authorization from Congress. The bill was filed months after a leaked National Security Council draft memo that proposed 5G nationalization because of concerns China could otherwise build a network. The memo drew derision (see 1801290034 and 1801300039). Cortez Masto and Cruz have since raised concerns about 5G nationalization, including during a June NTIA oversight hearing (see 1802120011 and 1806130095). “Partnering with the private sector is the best option we have for building the necessary infrastructure required to securely deploy and operate a nationalized 5G network,” Cortez Masto said. “We believe that the private sector is best positioned to build, deploy, and secure 5G networks,” Cruz said. “Our legislation would prevent massive government overreach in our private sector and assert the proper role of Congress in the decision making process.”