FIREWALL Act Federal Investment Restrictions on Equipment from...
To prohibit certain Federal funds from being provided to individuals and entities that purchase fiber-optic cable from countries of concern, and for other purposes.
This bill, HB9541, aims to stop the allocation of certain federal funds to individuals and entities that buy fiber-optic cable from countries identified as "of concern." This means that if a company or person purchases fiber-optic cables from these specified countries, they may no longer receive federal funding. The goal is to enhance national security by limiting the use of potentially risky technology from certain nations.
The bill would impact businesses and organizations that rely on federal funding and purchase fiber-optic cables from countries deemed a security risk. These entities would need to find alternative sources for their fiber-optic cables to continue receiving federal support. This measure is intended to ensure that sensitive communication infrastructure is sourced from more reliable and secure locations.
As of June 30, 2026, HB9541 has been introduced and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It is in its initial stages of the legislative process, which means it will undergo review, possible amendments, and committee hearings before potentially moving forward for a full House vote.
