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 like a school project where grown-ups study if certain computer gadgets, like routers and modems, might be unsafe because they come from specific countries. They want to make sure these gadgets don't cause security problems, and they'll tell the grown-ups in charge what they find out.
Summary AI
H.R. 866, also known as the “Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security Act” or the “ROUTERS Act,” is a bill that mandates the Secretary of Commerce to study national security and cybersecurity risks linked to consumer routers, modems, and combination devices that are designed or manufactured by companies in certain foreign countries. The bill requires the Secretary to submit a report on the study’s findings to Congress within one year of its enactment. The study involves consultations within the Department of Commerce and focuses on determining vulnerabilities associated with foreign influence in technology impacting the U.S.
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
House Resolution 866, referred to as the "Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security Act" or the "ROUTERS Act," directs the Secretary of Commerce to study and report on the national security risks posed by consumer routers, modems, and devices combining both. This study will specifically assess products designed or influenced by entities from certain countries that may pose threats to national security. The Act mandates the submission of a comprehensive report to Congress detailing the study's findings within one year of the Act's enactment.
Significant Issues
A critical issue with the bill is its ambiguity regarding the term "covered country," which is referenced from section 4872(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code. Without clear definition within the bill, this reference could lead to misunderstandings about which countries are considered threats to national security. Additionally, the bill lacks accountability measures to ensure timely completion of the study, nor does it specify consequences for failure to meet the one-year deadline, which could result in delays and ineffective oversight.
The phrase "subject to the influence" of a covered country introduces another layer of ambiguity. Such phrases can lead to varied interpretations, potentially sparking legal disputes or inconsistencies in enforcement. There is also vagueness in identifying which specific bureaus and offices within the Department of Commerce should be consulted during the study, as the Act provides no detailed guideline.
Impact on the Public
The bill could influence the public by enhancing national security through improved scrutiny of consumer telecommunications devices that may compromise cybersecurity. Ensuring the integrity of these devices is crucial given their widespread use in homes and businesses. However, the lack of specificity and accountability measures might lead to prolonged study periods, delaying potential protective actions that the study could recommend.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Specific stakeholders, particularly manufacturers and suppliers of routers and modems, could be significantly impacted by this legislation. Companies tied to countries deemed as threats may face increased scrutiny, potential sanctions, or limitations on access to the U.S. market. This could affect the competitive landscape and influence domestic manufacturers favorably by reducing competition from foreign entities viewed as security risks.
On the other hand, consumers might face limited choices and potential cost increases if U.S. manufacturers have to fill gaps left by restricted foreign competition. Additionally, stakeholders involved in cybersecurity and national defense might welcome the bill as a necessary measure for enhancing security, albeit they may also push for clearer definitions and stricter timelines to ensure timely effective results.
The "ROUTERS Act" possesses the potential to address important cybersecurity concerns but requires refinement and additional safeguards to ensure its concepts are effectively implemented and beneficial for both national security and consumer interests.
Issues
The section 2(a) defining 'covered country' as mentioned in section 4872(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code, lacks clarity, leading to potential interpretive challenges and misunderstandings related to which countries are deemed a threat to national security. This lack of transparency in defining jurisdiction could undermine the bill's effectiveness and public trust.
Section 2 imposes no accountability measures to ensure the timely completion of the study or consequences for delays beyond the one-year timeframe. This could result in ineffective oversight and indefinite postponement, hindering efforts to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
The phrase 'subject to the influence' of a covered country, as used in section 2(a), is ambiguous and open to interpretation, which may cause legal disputes or inconsistencies in enforcement.
There is no specification in section 2(c) regarding what constitutes 'appropriate bureaus and offices within the Department of Commerce' for consultation. This vagueness might lead to inadequately focused studies, limiting their impact.
The title 'Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security Act' or 'ROUTERS Act' might mislead stakeholders if the Act does not primarily focus on router technologies, as noted in section 1. Clearer nomenclature or focus could help manage expectations and improve understanding.
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 gives its short title, allowing it to be referred to as the “Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security Act” or simply the “ROUTERS Act”.
2. Study of risks posed by certain routers and modems Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section mandates that the Secretary of Commerce study the security risks of routers and modems made or influenced by certain countries, and report the findings to Congress within a year. The Secretary must consult with relevant department areas during the study, and key terms like "covered country" and "Secretary" are defined for clarity.