Senator Debra Fischer (R-NE)
Sens. Hickenlooper, Fischer Lead Effort to Finish Removal of Chinese Communications Equipment from the United States
Senators John Hickenlooper (R-CO) and Debra Fischer (R-NE) introduced the Defend Our Networks Act. The Federal Communications Commission confirmed in 2022 that the Rip and Replace program was $3.08 billion short in fulfilling eligible applications, disproportionally impacting smaller carriers in rural areas that possess more at-risk network gear.