Lawmakers take action against CCP influence in US government tech

TLDR:

• A bipartisan effort in Congress led by Rep. Pat Fallon aims to crack down on cyberattacks from China and other adversaries by imposing guardrails on technology purchases by federal agencies.
• The bill would require government agencies to purchase technology only from “trusted sources” like original equipment manufacturers or authorized resellers to prevent potential threats from nations like China, Russia, or Iran.

Lawmakers are concerned about the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in U.S. government technology and the potential for devastating cyberattacks. Representative Pat Fallon from Texas has introduced a bill that would restrict government technology purchases to “trusted sources” to prevent threats from countries like China, Russia, or Iran. This bipartisan effort aims to address the growing threat of cyberattacks and protect U.S. government systems from infiltration by hostile actors.

The bill would require federal agencies to purchase technology only from “original equipment manufacturers” or “authorized resellers” to ensure that the equipment is sourced from reliable sources. This move is seen as essential in safeguarding government systems and preventing potentially catastrophic cyberattacks.

Lawmakers are particularly concerned about the “gray market” for technology, which allows adversaries to gain access to U.S. government systems through third-party vendors. By limiting purchases to trusted sources, the bill aims to reduce the risk of infiltration and strengthen national security.