Plain Language Summary
# ROUTERS Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The ROUTERS Act requires the federal government to study potential national security risks from consumer routers and modems—the devices that connect homes and businesses to the internet. The study will specifically examine devices made by or controlled by China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia. Once completed, the findings must be reported to Congress. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects consumers, internet service providers, and device manufacturers. It doesn't immediately restrict or ban any products but aims to identify whether foreign adversaries could use routers and modems to spy on Americans or compromise computer networks.
The study could lead to future regulations if security threats are found. **Current Status** The bill has already passed the House of Representatives. For it to become law, it would need to pass the Senate and be signed by the President. The bill reflects growing bipartisan concern about cybersecurity and foreign influence in critical technology infrastructure.
CRS Official Summary
Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security Act or the ROUTERS ActThis bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to conduct a study on the national security risks posed by consumer routers and modems (including devices that combine a modem and router) and provide the results of the study to Congress. The study must address devices developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons (i.e., individuals and entities) owned by, controlled by, or subject to the influence of China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate.