Press Releases

Rep. Jim Banks Applauds Upcoming Executive Order Effectively Blocking the Sale of Huawei Products

Washington, D.C.— Today, Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN) released the following statement regarding a new report that the Trump Administration will issue an Executive order that would “effectively prohibit US companies from using any telecoms equipment manufactured by China’s Huawei.”

Said Rep. Banks, “I am thankful that President Trump clearly understands the risks involved with foreign companies linked to the Chinese Government, like Huawei, have on America’s national security.  Telecommunications ‘companies’ in adversarial nations like China, are trojan horses for their authoritarian regimes that seek to infiltrate and disrupt U.S. interests, both at home and abroad.  As 5G technology grows domestically and throughout allied nations, it is critical that we do not allow these entities to gain a foothold in our infrastructure to steal information and conduct surveillance operations. I hope the President doubles down on this stance to address the many government-influenced companies worldwide that pose similar threats as Huawei.”

Background

In March, Congressman Banks introduced H.R. 1678, the Protect Our Universities Act of 2019.  This legislation is designed to reduce the spread of sensitive information to nations like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea at U.S. universities by limiting access to the United States’ most sensitive, national security-related academic research. It also proposes a ban Huawei, ZTE, and others to be used in federally funded national security research ongoing at universities. Read the full bill text here.

In April, Congressman Banks expressed serious concern regarding the use of taxpayer funds to purchase components of Chinese telecommunications company, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., by participants in the rural broadband program.

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Congressman Jim Banks represents Indiana’s 3^rd Congressional District and serves on the House Armed Services Committee, Committee on Veterans Affairs, and Committee on Education and Labor.  Please direct all press inquiries to tw.arrighi@mail.house.gov.