Federal Legislation Targets Chinese Tech: Blocking Foreign Cellular Modules in Defense Systems Act

Last updated: October 23, 2026

NewsWK — Lawmakers in Washington are moving to eliminate foreign espionage risks from federal military networks. Specifically, Representative Sheri Biggs introduced new federal legislation to purge foreign-made cellular technology from national defense infrastructure. Furthermore, the bill targets components from Chinese companies and foreign adversaries.

What Is HR 10861 and How Does It Secure Defense Hardware?

HR 10861 requires federal defense leaders to locate and evaluate foreign cellular components in military hardware. Additionally, the bill mandates a full review across all military branches, defense agencies, and contractor systems. Consequently, officials must identify hardware sources, review security threats, and replace dangerous equipment to protect vital defense networks.

Under the legislation, the Secretary of Defense must launch a comprehensive audit within 180 days of enactment. First, this review will inspect all physical hardware and network systems connected to military infrastructure. Cellular modules power many modern Internet of Things devices. Therefore, compromised chips could allow hostile nations to monitor troops, sabotage communications, or breach secure installations.

The legislative framework addresses several critical technical details:

• Module manufacturers and specific hardware model numbers
• Firmware versions on operational equipment
• Network exposure risks and potential unauthorized remote access channels
• Supply chain security vulnerabilities across contractor operations

What Is a Department of Defense Cellular Module Audit?

A Department of Defense cellular module audit is a comprehensive inventory of wireless transmitter chips in military systems. Specifically, auditors will inspect equipment across combatant commands, military bases, and logistics networks. As a result, the process pinpoints foreign components, assesses remote espionage threats, and outlines immediate remediation plans.

During the audit process, military inspectors will examine government-owned equipment. In addition, they will inspect contractor-operated hardware. Modern military bases rely heavily on automated systems, smart sensors, and supply tracking tools. However, many commercial systems contain low-cost microchips from the People’s Republic of China.

The proposed law requires initial audit reports to reach congressional committees within one year. After that initial filing, defense officials must deliver progress reports every two years for up to six years. Additionally, the Comptroller General must review the Department of Defense’s efforts within 180 days of the first report. Therefore, lawmakers will maintain direct oversight over the military’s purge of vulnerable components.

How Will This Defense Cybersecurity Bill Impact Military Operations and Defense Contractors?

This defense cybersecurity bill directly impacts defense contractors and military suppliers. Specifically, it requires strict supply chain transparency. Contractors must verify that their logistics tools, smart devices, and network infrastructure lack restricted foreign chips. Otherwise, non-compliant vendors face equipment replacement costs, contract reviews, and mandatory network isolation protocols.

National security experts have long warned about backdoors inside commercial microchips. For instance, foreign adversaries can exploit tiny transmitter modules to transmit sensitive location data or disrupt command systems. Consequently, this legislation prioritizes critical operational areas such as military mobility, troop logistics, and base security.

When inspectors find high-risk components, defense officials must take immediate action. Accordingly, the bill outlines several required mitigation strategies:

• Complete rip-and-replace programs for hostile hardware
• Immediate retirement of legacy equipment containing risky components
• Strict network segmentation and isolation of affected devices
• Firmware updates and software remediation where feasible
• Rapid substitution with trusted domestic or allied suppliers

Military bases rely on private suppliers for logistics and transportation. Therefore, contractors must overhaul their equipment standards. As a result, small and large defense vendors across the country will need to audit their own supply chains.

Why Is Rep Sheri Biggs South Carolina Pushing to Ban Foreign Tech?

Rep Sheri Biggs South Carolina introduced the bill to combat growing national security risks from foreign technology. Specifically, the measure targets Chinese government influence over critical defense infrastructure. Foreign espionage through commercial microchips poses an immediate threat to national defense. Therefore, the measure closes supply chain loopholes to protect military readiness and safeguard American defense infrastructure.

The threat from foreign-made cellular modules extends beyond simple espionage. Moreover, they could serve as digital backdoors for foreign military intelligence.

This legislation aligns with earlier congressional action, including Public Law 115-232. Now, the measure establishes clear statutory authority under Title 10 and Title 41 of the U.S. Code. Consequently, Congress can ensure defense leaders systematically eliminate these foreign components.

Eliminating foreign espionage threats strengthens military readiness. Furthermore, it ensures that federal defense spending supports secure supply chains.

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