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. The bill would address the FCC's funding shortfall by reallocating roughly 3 percent of unobligated emergency COVID-relief funds to the program, strengthening communications networks nationwide and bolstering US national security. The program reimburses smaller communications service providers for the costs of removing and replacing risky Chinese network equipment.