Bill introduced to create office in White House to oversee technology threats

A bill introduced in the House would create a new office within the White House to serve as a central coordinator to oversee national security threats posed by technology.

The office – called the Office of Critical Technologies & Security – would be tasked with interagency coordination and creating a long-term strategic plan to combat state-sponsored technology theft and supply chain vulnerabilities.

It has been well-documented that countries like China have been involved in state-supported efforts to steal intellectual property from American businesses. Additionally, there are threats posed when Americans by foreign products that have been identified as national security risks – such as cell phones made by Chinese telecom giants Huawei and ZTE.

“China’s coordinated assault on American companies, the U.S. government, and American intellectual property is part of a broader strategy aimed at attaining leadership in advanced technology and 21st-century great power politics. We must continue to hold bad actors accountable,” Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX), one of the bill’s sponsors said. “I am proud to join my colleagues today to introduce this bipartisan bill that ensures that our nation uses every tool in our arsenal to combat this continued national security threat and keep Americans safe.”

The bill was co-sponsored by Reps. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), Mike Conaway (R-TX) and Jim Himes (D-CT).

“We can’t be too tough when it comes to our national security,” Ruppersberger said. “We have long suspected Beijing uses its telecom companies to spy on Americans and we know China is responsible for up to $600 billion in theft of U.S. trade secrets. It’s time to get our ducks in a row: we need a coordinated, dedicated team armed with a long-term plan to ensure America maintains superiority.”

The Office of Critical Technologies & Security will consult with federal regulators, the private sector, academics, and experts to ensure that the supply chain and emerging technologies are protected.

“Passivity in the face of increased global threats would be a grave mistake,” Himes said. “Through the establishment of this office, we will not only increase our capacity to respond to Chinese aggression, but also signal to geopolitical rivals around the world that we will fiercely defend our national security, technology, and intellectual property. This step is long overdue and will hopefully move us further toward a comprehensive cyber strategy.”

Conaway pointed out that some Chinese telecommunications giants, such as Huawei and ZTE, have a history of providing a vehicle for the Chinese government to spy on American citizens and the government.

“It’s critical that we respond to these rising national security threats aggressively, and utilize whatever tools we have available to prevent foreign entities from harming our country,” Conaway said.