Us Congress House Bill HB10453

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Caption

To prohibit the Secretary of Defense from entering into information technology contracts with entities that provide certain services to China, and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, HB 10453 would greatly influence existing regulations surrounding defense contracting. The prohibition is directed at companies that either directly operate facilities or research organizations in China that focus on artificial intelligence, or companies that provide software that could be used for military or law enforcement purposes. This legislation would likely lead to a considerable reshaping of how the Department of Defense engages in contract agreements, pushing for more stringent vetting processes to prevent interactions with potentially hostile foreign entities.

Summary

House Bill 10453 aims to prohibit the Secretary of Defense from entering into information technology contracts with entities linked to China, specifically those that provide certain services. The bill is introduced during a time when national security concerns regarding foreign influence in technology, particularly from China, are heightened. The primary goal of the bill is to eliminate potential risks associated with contracts that may compromise the security and integrity of U.S. defense operations.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 10453 reflects a growing sensitivity to issues of cybersecurity and foreign influence over critical technologies. As the threat landscape evolves, this bill serves as part of a broader strategy by government officials to safeguard national defense interests against international risks posed by entities from adversarial nations.

Contention

The bill does include a waiver authority, which allows the Secretary of Defense to override the prohibitions if it's deemed necessary for advancing U.S. national security interests. This provision may create discussions and debates about the balance between ensuring security and allowing flexibility in defense contracting. Critics of the bill may raise concerns that it could stifle innovation and collaboration with global partners in technology sectors.