Sponsors (3)
The bill aims to strengthen U.S. telecom security and global competitiveness by coordinating financing and diplomatic pressure for 'trusted' vendors, at the cost of higher taxpayer exposure, potential higher prices and service disruptions for partners and consumers, and increased geopolitical friction.
U.S. technology firms and their workers gain expanded diplomatic and financing support (EXIM, DFC, allied coordination) to compete for international telecom/ICT projects, improving their market access and competitiveness.
State and local governments, utilities, and consumers benefit from reduced reliance on high‑risk/untrusted vendors (and promotion of Open RAN), lowering espionage and cyber risk to U.S. networks and critical infrastructure.
Partner countries, rural and underserved communities, and U.S. disaster response capabilities gain faster, more resilient broadband and emergency connectivity through multilateral cooperation and development‑finance integration.
Taxpayers and federal financial institutions face higher costs and elevated financial risk from using taxpayer‑backed financing and subsidies (EXIM/DFC) to support U.S. vendors abroad.
U.S. companies, utilities, and financial actors risk escalation of geopolitical tensions (especially with China) and possible retaliatory economic or technology measures, complicating trade and markets.
Partner governments, small businesses, and some U.S. customers may face higher equipment and project costs (and disrupted supply chains) because prioritizing 'trusted' vendors or trade restrictions can limit options and raise prices.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Directs the State Department to deliver strategy and reports to promote secure global telecommunications, counter untrusted vendors, and coordinate allied financing and development tools.
Official title: To require the development of a strategy to promote the use of secure telecommunications infrastructure worldwide, and for other purposes.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by William R. Keating · Last progress July 17, 2025
Requires the State Department to produce a multi-part strategy and related reports to promote secure telecommunications infrastructure abroad, reduce reliance on vendors tied to authoritarian governments, and coordinate U.S. development and financing tools with allies and private partners. Directs analyses of Chinese and Russian influence at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and asks for options to use export finance, development finance, and diplomatic coordination to help trusted vendors compete for foreign ICT projects.