Cornyn, Senate Intelligence Leaders Bow Secure 5G and Beyond Act

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee -- Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., and Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va. -- filed their Secure 5G and Beyond Act Wednesday. The bill would require the president develop a strategy for ensuring security of 5G networks and infrastructure. It would require the White House assist U.S. allies in maximizing the security of their systems, infrastructure and software. Four other senators are original co-sponsors -- Michael Bennet, D-Colo.; Susan Collins, R-Maine; Tom Cotton, R-Ark.; and Marco Rubio, R-Fla. President Donald Trump's recent 5G comments sowed confusion about policy (see 1902210057). A supply chain security executive order on use of telecom equipment by Chinese equipment makers Huawei and ZTE in U.S. networks may be tabled (see 1903250055). The FCC is considering what it might do to counter the threat from companies that pose a security threat to U.S. communications networks or the communications supply chain (see 1812210032). “It’s imperative we not only understand the revolutionary value of next-gen communications, but also the security measures required to ensure the deployment of safe and secure 5G networks,” Burr said. “The greater complexity, density, and speed of 5G networks relative to traditional communications networks will make securing these networks exponentially harder and more complex," Warner said.