WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC), and Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) issued the following statements after their Secure 5G and Beyond Act, which would require the President to develop a strategy and implementation plan to ensure the security of next-gen mobile telecommunications systems and infrastructure in the United States, passed the House of Representatives:

“Securing our telecommunications infrastructure from foreign interference is a priority as we work to keep the United States on the cutting-edge of 5G technology,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I appreciate the House of Representatives for swiftly passing this legislation, and I look forward to it becoming the law of the land soon.”

“5G is the next great technological evolution for the telecommunications industry,” said Sen. Burr. “The same features that make 5G a powerful tool for growth and innovation – its incredible speed and wide reach – also pose an unprecedented national security challenge.  Now is the time for the U.S. to develop a real strategy for confronting these challenges, and I applaud Congress for advancing us toward that goal.”

“5G promises to usher in a new wave of innovations, products, and services. At the same time, the greater complexity, density, and speed of 5G networks relative to traditional communications networks will make securing these networks harder and more complex. It’s why we need a coherent, national strategy to harness the advantages of 5G in a way that addresses those risks,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m glad that the House has passed our bill and is sending it on to the President’s desk for his signature.”

Background on the Secure 5G and Beyond Act:

• Requires the President to create an inter-agency strategy to secure 5th generation and future generation technology and infrastructure in the United States and with our strategic allies.
• Designates NTIA to assist the President in managing the implementation plan in coordination with: the Chairman Federal Communications Commission, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, the Attorney General, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense.
• Ensures that the strategy and implementation plan do not include a recommendation to nationalize 5th generation deployment or future generations of mobile telecommunications infrastructure in the United States.

Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Finance, Intelligence, and Judiciary Committees.

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