Sec. 236. Sense of the Senate and periodic briefings on the security and availability of fifth-generation (5G) wireless network technology and production
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It is the sense of the Senate that— use of fifth-generation
(5G)wireless networks and associated technology will be a foundation for future warfighting applications for the Department of Defense; the commercial implementation of fifth-generation wireless networks will provide the high speed and capacity necessary for the Internet of Things, advanced manufacturing, autonomous machines, the application of artificial intelligence, and smart cities, and it is critical that the Department of Defense utilize these new capabilities; protecting the innovation and technology that enables these revolutionary developments is essential for security of the Department of Defense mission, and will require improved security of the microelectronics supply chain and of the design and operation of networks based on fifth-generation wireless network technology; securing fifth-generation wireless networks and associated technology is required due to the increased effects of military processes that will be enabled on fifth-generation wireless networks; the Department of Defense can no longer rely on fabricationless business models in which microelectronics manufacturing is located in countries with vulnerable supply chains or adversarial nations known for predatory industrial espionage and posing a military threat to the United States or on small-scale manufacturing of trusted microelectronics in dedicated facilities; the Department of Defense should leverage its large procurement budget, sophisticated understanding of the threats to microelectronics supply chains, as well as experience establishing requirements for the secure production of microelectronics and working with trusted foundries to create a secure, competitive, and innovative manufacturing base in cooperation with industry; and the Secretary of Defense should act expeditiously to achieve the goals enumerated in this subsection using resources and authorities available to the Department, while encouraging interagency planning for a whole-of-government strategy. Not later than March 15, 2020, and not less frequently than once every three months thereafter until March 15, 2022, the Secretary of Defense shall brief the congressional defense committees on how the Department of Defense— is using secure fifth-generation wireless network technology; is reshaping the Department's policy for producing and procuring secure microelectronics; and working in the interagency and internationally to develop common policies and approaches. Each briefing under paragraph
(1)shall contain information on— efforts to ensure a secure supply chain for fifth-generation wireless network equipment and microelectronics; the continued availability of electromagnetic spectrum for warfighting needs; planned implementation of fifth-generation wireless network infrastructure in warfighting networks, base infrastructure, defense-related manufacturing, and logistics; steps taken to work with allied and partner countries to protect critical networks and supply chains; and such other topics as the Secretary considers relevant.