ROUTERS Act
Description
This bill would require a study on national security risks posed by consumer routers and modems from China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia.
Summary
What it does
This bill would require the Department of Commerce to conduct a formal study on national security risks associated with consumer routers and modems. The study would specifically examine devices produced or controlled by entities linked to China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia. Upon completion, the Department of Commerce would be required to report its findings to Congress.
Who is affected
The Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration are required to conduct the study and report findings to Congress. The bill also focuses on individuals and entities that develop, manufacture, or supply consumer routers and modems and are owned, controlled, or influenced by China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia.
Key provisions
- National security study on consumer networking equipment. The Department of Commerce, in consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, must conduct a study regarding the national security risks associated with consumer routers and modems.
- Assessment of foreign-influenced technology. The study must specifically evaluate devices developed, manufactured, or supplied by entities owned or influenced by China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia.
- Congressional reporting requirement. The Department of Commerce is required to provide the results of the national security risk study to Congress.
Fiscal impact
- S. 244, ROUTERS Act· As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on March 12, 2025
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
Not applicable: Bill establishes wholly new authority with no reference to prior law
Stated purpose
The bill aims to identify and assess national security risks associated with consumer routers and modems produced or influenced by foreign adversaries, specifically China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.