H.R.1795 - Neutralizing Emerging Threats from Wireless OEMs Receiving direction from Kleptocracies and Surveillance states Act; NETWORKS Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1795, the NETWORKS Act, aims to impose sanctions on foreign telecommunications companies engaged in economic or industrial espionage against United States persons. The bill targets companies producing fifth or future generation telecommunications technology that operate against U.S. national security interests. It grants the President authority to block transactions involving these companies' property and interests in property within U.S. jurisdiction.
Expected Effects
The Act would empower the President to impose significant economic sanctions on foreign telecommunications companies deemed to be security threats. This could lead to a reduction in the presence of certain foreign technologies in the U.S. market. It may also prompt retaliatory measures from affected countries.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by limiting the influence of potentially hostile foreign telecommunications companies.
- Protection of U.S. businesses and individuals from economic and industrial espionage.
- Promotion of secure telecommunications networks within the U.S. and among allied nations.
- Incentivizes the development and adoption of trusted telecommunications technologies.
- Strengthened U.S. leverage in international trade and security negotiations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for retaliatory economic measures from foreign governments.
- Increased costs for telecommunications infrastructure due to limited competition.
- Possible delays in the deployment of advanced telecommunications technologies.
- Risk of misidentification of companies, leading to unwarranted sanctions.
- May strain diplomatic relations with countries where targeted companies are based.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on national security and foreign commerce aligns with the powers granted to Congress and the President under the Constitution. Specifically, Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to provide for the common defense. The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), referenced in the bill, has been upheld as a valid delegation of Congressional authority to the President in the realm of foreign policy.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).