U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) have introduced the Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security (ROUTERS) Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at protecting American communications networks from the threats posed by foreign-adversary-controlled technology.
The legislation specifically targets routers, modems, and similar consumer and business network devices that could be vulnerable to infiltration by countries hostile to the United States, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela.
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With internet routers and modems being essential gateways for millions of Americans, the bill seeks to prevent foreign actors from exploiting vulnerabilities in these devices to compromise national security, consumer privacy, and critical infrastructure.
“Tens of millions of families and small businesses across the country use wireless routers as their primary access point to the internet,” said Senator Blackburn. “Many of these routers are susceptible to infiltration by foreign actors – including China – exposing our country to serious danger. This bill will better protect U.S. communications networks and our national security.”
Senator Luján echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in an increasingly connected world.
“The ROUTERS Act is a crucial step in ensuring that everyday internet devices like consumer routers and modems don’t pose a risk to our national security or consumer privacy,” he said. “Securing our broadband infrastructure is a top priority, and we must create safeguards at every point across our systems. That is why I am proud to reintroduce this critical piece of legislation to help protect the privacy and security of millions of Americans.”
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The legislation would mandate the Department of Commerce to conduct a comprehensive national security assessment of communication network devices, ensuring that:
- Routers, modems, and other connected devices are evaluated for vulnerabilities that could be exploited by foreign adversaries.
- The federal government identifies and mitigates security risks associated with technology from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela.
- Consumers and businesses receive guidance on how to protect their networks from potential cybersecurity threats.
The bill follows growing concerns over Chinese and Russian influence in global technology markets, particularly in the telecommunications sector. Chinese-made routers and modems have been flagged in recent years for potential backdoor access that could allow foreign intelligence agencies to monitor or disrupt U.S. networks.
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In response, the federal government has previously cracked down on the use of technology from companies like Huawei and ZTE, banning their equipment from U.S. infrastructure. The ROUTERS Act expands upon these efforts, ensuring that no foreign adversary can exploit U.S. home or business networks.
The ROUTERS Act now moves to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for further review. If passed, the bill would strengthen federal oversight of communication devices and help protect millions of Americans from cybersecurity threats.
With bipartisan backing and a growing emphasis on national security, the legislation is expected to gain broad support in Congress.
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