Strengthening Protections Against Chinese Printed Circuit Boards Act

Strengthening Protections Against Chinese Printed Circuit Boards Act

This bill modifies restrictions on the Department of Defense in relation to the acquisition of specified printed circuit boards, including those that are components of a defense security system.

Bill 117 hr 6162, also known as the Strengthening Protections Against Chinese Printed Circuit Boards Act, aims to enhance security measures related to the procurement of printed circuit boards (PCBs) from China. The bill specifically targets PCBs that are used in critical infrastructure, such as defense systems, telecommunications networks, and energy facilities.

The main provisions of the bill include requiring federal agencies to conduct a thorough risk assessment before purchasing PCBs from Chinese suppliers. This assessment would evaluate the potential security risks associated with using Chinese-made PCBs in critical infrastructure systems. Additionally, the bill mandates that federal agencies prioritize the procurement of PCBs from domestic or allied suppliers over Chinese suppliers whenever possible.

Furthermore, the bill calls for increased transparency in the supply chain of PCBs, requiring suppliers to disclose the origin of the components used in the manufacturing process. This information would help federal agencies identify and mitigate any potential security vulnerabilities in the PCBs they procure. Overall, the Strengthening Protections Against Chinese Printed Circuit Boards Act aims to bolster national security by reducing reliance on Chinese-made PCBs in critical infrastructure systems. By implementing stricter procurement guidelines and increasing transparency in the supply chain, the bill seeks to mitigate the risks associated with using PCBs from China in sensitive applications.