David McCormick (R-PA)
Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is titled the ``Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act of 2026''. It updates an existing law to ban the federal government from buying certain optical transceivers. These bans target specific companies like Zhongji Innolight Co. and Eoptolink Technology Inc., as well as others connected to foreign countries of concern. The restrictions on these optical transceivers are set to take effect five years after the bill is enacted. The legislation also orders various government officials to study domestic manufacturing capacity, assess risks, and update rules and reports for Congress.
Yes
- Scored +6
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill enhances national security and cybersecurity by prohibiting the federal procurement of certain optical transceivers from foreign companies of concern.
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The legislation mandates comprehensive reports, briefings, and strategic analyses submitted to Congress regarding supply chain risks and implementation challenges.
- Scored +2
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
Improving national security systems and supply chain integrity indirectly benefits defense personnel and veterans through stronger national defense.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Strengthens Supply Chain Security: Section 2(5)(F) requires the Secretary of Commerce, along with other department heads, to analyze domestic and allied production capacity and assess the risks posed by covered optical transceivers in federal systems and supply chains. This helps protect the country by identifying vulnerabilities.
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Develops Domestic Capacity: Section 2(5)(F) mandates the creation of a strategy to improve the availability of domestic optical transceiver design and production capacity. This can help create and support domestic manufacturing jobs for the people of the United States.
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Keeps Congress Informed: Section 2(7)(A) requires the Secretary of Commerce to submit a report of findings and recommendations to the appropriate committees of Congress and leadership. This holds our elected and appointed officials accountable by ensuring Congress knows how the rules are being carried out.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential Procurement Disruptions: Section 2(3)(A) bans the federal procurement of covered optical transceivers starting five years after enactment. This could potentially cause burdens or delays for agencies and federal contractors trying to source necessary equipment if domestic or allied alternatives are not readily available.
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Additional Regulatory Burdens: Section 2(3)(B) requires the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to update regulations and apply restrictions to entities that supply covered optical transceivers. Suppliers and businesses will face extra regulatory steps and compliance requirements to ensure they are following the law.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill enhances national security and cybersecurity by prohibiting the federal procurement of certain optical transceivers from foreign companies of concern.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The legislation mandates comprehensive reports, briefings, and strategic analyses submitted to Congress regarding supply chain risks and implementation challenges.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Improving national security systems and supply chain integrity indirectly benefits defense personnel and veterans through stronger national defense.
- 9/24/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
John CornynRepublican · Texas
John FettermanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Ruben GallegoDemocrat · Arizona