Bill · H.R. 4240· House(119-HR-4240)
Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Abroad Act
- Introduced
- 6/27/2025
- Last activity
- 6/27/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Jared Moskowitz
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The ``Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Abroad Act'' aims to address national security risks regarding telecommunications equipment. It requires the Secretary of State to report on the prevalence of untrusted equipment in the networks of United States allies and partners who have collective defense agreements. Additionally, the bill mandates a report on the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services within United States embassies and by embassy staff. This includes assessing the risk of intelligence services gaining access to digital devices. Finally, the Act directs the Secretary of State to support telecommunications infrastructure projects that promote United States national security.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+7
The bill enhances national security by assessing and mitigating risks from untrusted telecommunications equipment in US embassies and among allies.
Does this give people more control over their personal data?+6
The bill protects the data and digital contents of US embassy personnel from foreign intelligence access.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+5
The bill aims to strengthen alliances by promoting more secure and trusted telecommunications infrastructure among partners.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Security for Allies and Partners: The bill seeks to ensure that countries around the globe use trusted telecommunications equipment or services to protect against malign influence and economic coercion (Section 2).
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Enhanced Security for US Embassy Personnel: By requiring an assessment of how digital devices of United States embassy staff and personnel are serviced, the bill aims to evaluate and mitigate the likelihood of intelligence services gaining access to their contents and data (Section 4).
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Promotion of National Security Infrastructure: The Secretary of State is tasked with selecting and supporting telecommunications infrastructure projects that have the potential to promote the national security of the United States (Section 5).
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Diplomatic Support for Secure Projects: Selected projects can receive diplomatic and political support to help resolve impediments to their development (Section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Implementation Difficulties and Costs: The bill acknowledges that implementing prohibitions on certain equipment may involve difficulties such as costs of equipment replacement and visibility issues within supply chains (Section 4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+7Improves International Alliances+5Improves Diplomatic Engagement+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+5Improves Government Transparency+4Increases Federal Power+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+6
- 11/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/27/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Randy FineRepublican · Florida
Aumua Amata RadewagenRepublican · American Samoa