Senate Passes Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act 'Rip and Replace' Bill

The Senate passed the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act (HR-4998) by unanimous consent Thursday, as expected (see 2002130054). The House-passed measure would allocate at least $1 billion to help U.S. communications providers remove from their networks Chinese equipment determined to threaten national security (see 1912160052). It now moves on to President Donald Trump. “By establishing a ‘rip and replace’ program, this legislation will provide meaningful safeguards for our communications networks and more secure connections,” said Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss. The committee will hold a hearing Wednesday on 5G supply chain security (see 2002260028). Senate Commerce called HR-4998 a companion to the committee-cleared U.S. 5G Leadership Act (S-1625), but the two measures have different funding language. Those differences led Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, to object to moving HR-4998 by UC in December (see 1912190068). HR-4998's passage “is a significant milestone to address security issues identified by Congress” and the Trump administration, said Competitive Carriers Association CEO Steven Berry. It “provides much-needed guidance to all carriers, and importantly, resources.” The Telecommunications Industry Association “applauds this decisive action to support efforts for the replacement of equipment that raises national security risks with equipment from trusted suppliers,” said CEO David Stehlin. “Congress is also sending a clear signal to the global industry that the U.S. will continue to lead the way on 5G security.” The Rural Wireless Association said that “without this crucial funding, rural carriers would lack the financial means to effectuate rapid replacement.”