Sponsors (3)
The bill strengthens national-security protections and channels federal broadband funds toward trusted suppliers, but at the cost of higher deployment costs, potential delays, and added compliance burdens for some state, local, and private project participants.
State and local governments and broadband providers will be less likely to install fiber from firms tied to adversary states, reducing exposure to potential supply‑chain compromise for public networks.
Small businesses and U.S. fiber manufacturers are more likely to gain business as grant-funded projects are steered toward trusted domestic or allied suppliers, supporting domestic jobs and supply chains.
Taxpayers are less likely to see federal grant dollars used to purchase network equipment from foreign entities of concern, aligning spending with national security priorities.
Broadband consumers and communities could face higher prices and slower rollout of service if limiting eligible suppliers reduces competition or available inventory, increasing project costs and delaying deployments.
State and local governments and utilities that have already contracted with or relied on prohibited suppliers risk losing federal grant funding or being forced into costly supply changes on short notice.
Businesses and agencies with complex ownership or cross-border ties may face uncertainty and added administrative burden to demonstrate they are not owned or controlled by a 'country of concern,' increasing compliance costs.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Bars FCC and NTIA federal funding to any recipient who purchases fiber‑optic cable from companies owned or controlled by a "country of concern," for purchases made 90+ days after enactment.
Prohibits the FCC and NTIA from using federal funds for any program, project, or activity to support individuals or entities that purchase fiber‑optic cable (including solid‑core and hollow‑core) from companies with ownership or control links to a “country of concern.” The ban applies to purchases made on or after 90 days after the law takes effect and defines “country of concern” by reference to existing statutory language. The measure is a targeted procurement restriction intended to prevent federal funding from indirectly supporting fiber equipment tied to foreign governments deemed a security risk. It applies across any federal program administered by the FCC or NTIA that provides funds to recipients who would buy such fiber equipment.
Official title: To prohibit certain Federal funds from being provided to individuals and entities that purchase fiber-optic cable from countries of concern, and for other purposes.
Introduced June 30, 2026 by Gus Bilirakis · Last progress June 30, 2026