Statement on $3 Billion Funding for Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program

Today, White House OSTP Director Arati Prabhakar, National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan released the following statemen on funding for the rip-and-replace program:

All of us count on our communications networks to connect with the people we love and the information we need. Every sector of the economy also depends on these networks. But our national security community has identified equipment and software in this infrastructure that can pose significant risks to its robustness. That’s why President Biden called on Congress to safeguard our communications infrastructure.

We’re pleased that Congress is providing more than $3 billion for providers to remove and replace insecure and untrustworthy equipment. Until now, Congress has only partially funded the process of removing and replacing risky equipment. This funding is a much-needed step to secure our communications networks and protect Americans’ private data. This measure will help keep small and rural communities connected and our networks safe. New risks require more action from Congress, and we call on congressional leaders to continue equipping the government with the tools and authorities it needs to ensure essential networks are resilient and secure.

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