A bipartisan group of lawmakers is taking steps to protect U.S. government technology from Chinese influence. This follows President Donald Trump’s recent increase in tariffs on Chinese goods. The initiative is led by Rep. Pat Fallon, a Republican from Texas, and Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California. They are pushing for the Securing America’s Federal Equipment (SAFE) Supply Chains Act.
The proposed legislation aims to ensure that federal agencies only buy technology from trusted sources, specifically original equipment manufacturers or authorized resellers. This move is seen as a way to prevent the U.S. government from purchasing technology through the gray market, which can involve unauthorized sales of genuine products.
Fallon emphasized that this bill aligns with Trump’s tough stance on China, especially given the growing concerns over Chinese actions in the Indo-Pacific region and threats like cyberattacks. He believes it is crucial for the Department of Defense to secure its infrastructure against potential adversaries, particularly the Chinese Communist Party.
The SAFE Supply Chains Act is designed to bolster U.S. national security by ensuring that military and government purchases are free from foreign influence. Fallon praised Trump’s leadership in reducing U.S. reliance on China and stated that this bill supports that effort.
In addition to the House bill, there is a corresponding effort in the Senate led by Senators John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, and Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan. This shows a united front across party lines on the issue of securing American technology.
Recently, the White House announced a significant increase in tariffs on Chinese imports, raising them to 145%, up from 125%. Trump has also indicated a willingness to lower tariffs on other countries that do not retaliate against U.S. trade policies.
As tensions with China continue to rise, this legislation could play a key role in shaping how the U.S. government approaches technology procurement and national security.