WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up for a crucial vote next week on an annual defense bill that includes provisions aimed at addressing national security concerns related to Chinese telecom equipment in American wireless networks. The $3 billion allocated in the bill will go towards funding the removal of equipment made by Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE.

The 1,800-page legislation, released over the weekend, also includes measures targeting China’s efforts to circumvent U.S. national security regulations. Additionally, the bill calls for an intelligence assessment of China’s current biotechnology capabilities.

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the cost of removing the vulnerable equipment is estimated at $4.98 billion. However, Congress had previously approved only $1.9 billion for the “rip and replace” program. This shortfall has raised concerns about potential risks to national security and rural connectivity.

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has been vocal about the urgent need for additional funding to address the equipment replacement in networks serving 126 carriers. Without sufficient funding, she warned of potential shutdowns in rural networks, which could have serious implications for millions of Americans relying on them for connectivity.

The call for additional funds has garnered support from industry leaders, with Competitive Carriers Association CEO, Tim Donovan, emphasizing the critical need to fulfill the mandate of removing and replacing compromised equipment while ensuring continued connectivity for consumers.

In response to the funding gap, Congress is considering allocating funds generated from a one-time spectrum auction by the FCC to support the equipment replacement program. This initiative aligns with the broader efforts to meet the escalating spectrum demands of wireless consumers and bolster national security in the face of emerging threats.