Bipartisan Initiative to Counter Cyber Threats
FIRST ON FOX: A new bipartisan initiative is emerging in Congress aimed at combating the escalating dangers of cyberattacks orchestrated by China and other adversaries of the United States.
New Legislation from Rep. Pat Fallon
A bill introduced by Representative Pat Fallon, a Republican from Texas, seeks to tighten regulations on the technology that federal agencies can acquire. According to the text of the proposed legislation reviewed by Fox News Digital, it would mandate that government offices only purchase technology directly from “original equipment manufacturers” or “authorized resellers.”
Ensuring Trustworthy Sources
Fallon emphasized that this measure would guarantee that U.S. government technology is sourced exclusively from reliable suppliers rather than third-party vendors who might obtain their products from countries such as China, Russia, or Iran.
The Threat of Counterfeit Products
“Our adversaries are infiltrating our software and hardware systems by supplying counterfeit items through what are referred to as ‘gray market’ sellers,” Fallon noted. “These counterfeit goods may appear legitimate but can provide a gateway for enemies to access U.S. governmental systems, thereby facilitating further cyberattacks.
The Scale of Cyber Attacks
The Texas lawmaker warned that America faces “millions of cyber threats every day,” exacerbated by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), which streamline the execution of these attacks.
The SAFE Supply Chains Act
This House proposal known as the Securing America’s Federal Equipment (SAFE) Supply Chains Act has gained support from a related bipartisan bill currently advancing in the Senate.
Bipartisan Support in the Senate
This initiative is being championed by Senator John Cornyn, also from Texas, alongside Gary Peters, chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee and a Democrat representing Michigan.
Understanding Gray Markets
A gray market involves an unofficial channel for trading genuine products without authorization from manufacturers. This issue is especially pronounced in high-tech sectors where transparency is lacking; estimates suggest significant financial losses amounting to billions for manufacturers due to technology gray markets according to AGMA Global.
China’s Gray Market Activities
A recent report published earlier this year highlighted how Chinese companies were bypassing U.S export restrictions designed for acquiring cutting-edge American AI chips intended for military and research purposes.
Tighter Regulations on Middlemen Transactions with China
Even with existing bans targeting specific companies backed by Beijing, this new legislation aims at preventing China from utilizing intermediaries that obfuscate illicit sourcing while inundating American markets with questionable products.
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Legislative Impact Statement:
Fallon articulated that this regulation would safeguard federal procurements against potential deceptions involving hazardous goods.
World Condition Alert:
“The current global climate reflects peak instability and danger,” he asserted decisively.” We have reached a critical juncture; we must employ every possible measure to fortify our vulnerable infrastructures against hostile cyber intrusions.”
