Overview
Title
To direct the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, to conduct a study of the national security risks posed by consumer routers, modems, and devices that combine a modem and router, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The ROUTERS Act is a plan that asks a big group in the government to check if the little internet boxes we use at home, called routers and modems, could cause problems for the country if they're made by certain other countries. They need to tell the government what they find out in a year.
Summary AI
H. R. 7589, also known as the “Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security Act” or the “ROUTERS Act”, proposes that the Secretary of Commerce, through the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, conduct a study on the national security risks associated with consumer routers, modems, and devices that combine routers and modems. The study will focus on devices designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by companies influenced by specific foreign countries. Within one year of the Act’s enactment, a report detailing the findings must be submitted to relevant Congressional committees.
Published
Keywords AI
Sources
Bill Statistics
Size
Language
Complexity
AnalysisAI
Overview of the Bill
The proposed bill, formally titled the "Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security Act" or the "ROUTERS Act," seeks to direct the Secretary of Commerce to undertake a study of potential national security risks associated with consumer routers, modems, and combined modem-router devices. These devices are under scrutiny particularly when they are designed, manufactured, or supplied by entities connected to certain foreign countries. The intent is to identify any vulnerabilities these foreign-manufactured devices may introduce to U.S. technological infrastructure and national security.
Significant Issues
One primary issue is the ambiguity resulting from the bill's reference to a "covered country," which relies on an external legal statute for definition. This indirection can make it difficult for the general public, or even industry stakeholders, to immediately understand which countries are being targeted by this legislation. This lack of transparency could lead to misconceptions or unwarranted concerns among companies and consumers alike.
Additionally, the bill does not explicitly detail the budget or funding source for the proposed study. The absence of this information might result in financial concerns regarding how the study will be funded and whether it may lead to inefficient allocation of resources.
Another issue is the potentially tight timeline of one year to complete the study and report its findings to Congress. Depending on the scope and complexity, this timeframe could be challenging to meet without sacrificing the thoroughness and accuracy of the results.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, the bill's aim to assess the security of widely used consumer technology could enhance national security by identifying and mitigating potential risks. This could lead to more secure internet connections and protect consumer data from possible espionage or cyber-attacks orchestrated through vulnerable devices.
However, without clear definitions, particularly concerning what constitutes an "unsecure" device, there could be unnecessary alarm among consumers who may worry about the safety of their current telecommunications devices. Transparency throughout the study process will be crucial to maintaining public trust.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Manufacturers and Suppliers: For manufacturers whose devices may fall under the scrutiny of the bill's provisions, this legislation could present both challenges and opportunities. Companies might need to reassess their supply chains to ensure compliance and avoid association with identified high-risk countries. However, this could also create opportunities for domestic manufacturers to increase their market share if foreign products are deemed risky.
U.S. Commerce and Industry: The bill could spur a reevaluation of international partnerships and influence the future of global trade agreements related to technology. Industry stakeholders will need to stay informed and proactive in interpreting the implications of the study findings to adapt swiftly to any resulting policy changes.
Government Agencies: The responsibility placed on the Secretary of Commerce, via the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, raises questions about resource allocation within government bodies. These agencies must collaborate efficiently to conduct a comprehensive and timely study.
In conclusion, while the bill aims to bolster national security through careful examination of telecommunications devices, its success will heavily depend on precise execution and communication, both to avoid public confusion and to support a secure technological environment.
Issues
The bill mandates a study of national security risks associated with routers and modems designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by entities from a 'covered country'. However, 'covered country' is defined by referencing another legal document (section 4872(d)(2) of title 10, United States Code), which can lead to confusion and ambiguity among those not familiar with this legislation (Section 2).
The bill does not specify the budget or funding source for conducting the study, raising concerns about potential financial impacts, including wasteful spending or misallocation of resources (Section 2).
The title of the bill, 'Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security Act' or 'ROUTERS Act', suggests the removal of certain technologies but does not clarify what technologies are considered 'unsecure' or how reliability and security will be ensured, preventing a clear understanding of its policy implications (Section 1).
The responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information in conducting the study are not detailed. This lack of clarity might lead to operational inefficiencies or challenges in executing the study effectively (Section 2).
The requirement to complete and report the study within one year might be difficult, depending on the complexity and scale of the investigation. This could affect the thoroughness and quality of the study's findings, impacting potential policy decisions (Section 2).
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the bill indicates that its official short title is the “Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security Act,” also known as the “ROUTERS Act.”
2. Study of national security risks posed by certain routers and modems Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill requires the Secretary of Commerce to study and report on the national security risks of consumer routers, modems, and similar devices made by companies influenced by certain countries. The term "covered country" and "Secretary" are specifically defined within the bill.