Information and Communication Technology Strategy Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2061
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-11: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-27T01:19:55Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Information and Communication Technology Strategy Act (H.R. 2061) aims to strengthen the United States' economic position in the global information and communication technology (ICT) sector. It requires the Secretary of Commerce—acting through the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information—to analyze the ICT supply chain and create a coordinated, government-wide plan to promote trusted ICT vendors (companies deemed secure and reliable) while reducing reliance on untrusted ones (those posing risks to national security).
Key Provisions
- Report on ICT Supply Chain: Within one year of enactment, the Secretary must submit a detailed report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The report must:
- Identify ICT critical to U.S. economic competitiveness.
- Evaluate the production capacity of U.S. vendors and trusted foreign vendors for this ICT.
- Assess the overall economic strength of these vendors.
- Examine how much U.S. advanced telecommunications providers (like broadband networks) depend on untrusted ICT.
- Recommend federal actions and resources needed to support trusted vendors and decrease dependence on untrusted ones.
- Outline specific efforts and roles for a unified government response to boost ICT supply chain competitiveness.
- Whole-of-Government Strategy: Within 180 days after the initial report, the Secretary must develop and submit a strategy based on the report's findings. This includes:
- Suggestions to enhance federal support for trusted vendors, including U.S. companies, by improving government structures, resources, and authority.
- Ways to remove market barriers that hinder trusted vendors' growth.
- Assigned responsibilities and action plans for federal agencies.
- Descriptions of any required changes to federal programs, laws, or government organization, plus additional funding or resources needed.
- Consultation Requirements: The Secretary must consult with a diverse group of trusted ICT vendors and key officials, including the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, the Attorney General, the Director of National Intelligence, the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and other relevant agency heads.
- Definitions: The bill defines key terms, such as:
- ICT: Technologies (including software), components, or materials that enable communication via radio or wire.
- ICT Supply Chain: All companies producing ICT.
- Trusted Vendor: A company producing ICT that has not been flagged as a security risk.
- Not Trusted: Determined by the Secretary based on risks to U.S. national security or safety, drawing from the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (a law aimed at removing insecure equipment from U.S. networks).
- Advanced Telecommunications Capability: High-speed broadband services, as defined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill does not directly amend prior laws but introduces new mandatory reporting and planning requirements. It builds on the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 by using its criteria for identifying untrusted ICT, potentially expanding federal efforts to secure telecom networks. No explicit repeals or alterations to existing statutes are included, but the strategy may recommend future changes to laws or programs.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases coordination across agencies (e.g., Commerce, State, Homeland Security, FCC) through the "whole-of-government" approach, potentially requiring new resources, interagency task forces, or policy shifts to prioritize trusted ICT. This could strain budgets but enhance national security planning.
- Citizens: May lead to more secure and reliable U.S. telecommunications infrastructure, reducing risks from untrusted foreign tech (e.g., potential spying or disruptions). Indirect economic benefits could include job growth in domestic ICT manufacturing.
- International Relations: Promotes U.S. competitiveness against foreign rivals (e.g., companies from adversarial nations), possibly straining trade ties with countries hosting untrusted vendors. It could encourage alliances with trusted international partners to diversify supply chains.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Primarily the Department of Commerce (leading role), plus Homeland Security, State, Justice, Intelligence Community, and FCC (consultation and implementation roles). Congressional committees oversee reporting.
- Industry: Trusted ICT vendors (especially U.S.-based companies) benefit from potential support; untrusted vendors face reduced market access. U.S. telecommunications providers may need to adjust supply chains to comply.
- Broader Economy: ICT manufacturers, software developers, and telecom users (businesses and consumers) could see shifts in technology availability and costs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes clear federal authority for the Commerce Secretary to assess and strategize on ICT security, potentially setting precedents for executive-led supply chain policies without immediate new regulations. Recommendations could lead to future legislation or FCC rules on vendor trust.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause powers to regulate interstate and international trade, emphasizing national security without infringing on private enterprise (focuses on market-based solutions).
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (introduced by Rep. Joyce (R-PA) and Rep. Lee (D-NV)) signals broad support for countering foreign tech threats, amid ongoing U.S.-China tensions. It promotes economic nationalism in tech but avoids mandates, reducing controversy; however, implementation may spark debates over funding, vendor designations, or trade impacts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-11: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-03-11: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-11: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Information and Communication Technology Strategy Act — issued 2025-03-11 — PDF (7 pages)