Johnson Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Advance U.S. Leadership in 6G and Protect National Security

WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (SC-03), introduced the USA 6G Global Leadership Act. The legislation will bolster the United States' global leadership in 6G telecommunications technology, strengthen our national security, and counter strategic competition from China and other adversarial actors in emerging technology standards.

"The race to 6G is underway, and the United States cannot afford to fall behind. The USA 6G Global Leadership Act ensures that we-not our adversaries-set the standards while strengthening our national security and economic competitiveness," said Johnson. "With leaders like Nokia, headquartered in Dallas, and major employers like AT&T and Samsung driving innovation across North Texas, our region is at the forefront of next-generation telecommunications. This bill builds on that strength by supporting American companies, investing in secure infrastructure, and working with our allies through international bodies to sustain our edge over China in the technologies that will define the future. If we want to lead the world in innovation, we must show up, compete, and win."

"America cannot afford to fall behind in the race for next-generation communications," said Congresswoman Sheri Biggs. "I'm proud to lead this effort alongside Congresswoman Julie Johnson to ensure the United States, not our adversaries, sets the standard for the future of global technology and protects our national security."

6G is the next generation of wireless technology that will follow 5G, with rollout expected around 2030. It's designed to deliver much faster speeds, near-instant response times, and more reliable connections. By using higher-frequency spectrum, 6G could power advanced technologies like AI-driven networks and other telecommunications methods.

Specifically, the legislation will:

• Express the sense of Congress that the U.S. should leverage diplomatic and economic tools to support U.S. companies and counter Chinese-backed enterprises, including through engagement in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other standards bodies, and cooperation with allies to promote trusted vendors and secure network infrastructure.
• Task the Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy with leading U.S. preparations for the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference and the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference to coordinate across federal agencies to promote U.S.-aligned candidates for ITU leadership and advance U.S. priorities in international telecom standards and governance.
• Require a 90-day report to Congress analyzing Chinese and Russian efforts to influence ITU processes, promote digital repression, expand ITU's mandate over internet governance, and leverage their nationals in ITU roles to advance geopolitical objectives.
• Direct the State Department to support projects that strengthen U.S. global leadership in telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in developing countries, such as feasibility studies, development loans, direct investments, and other financial or technical assistance.
• Require the State Department to submit, within 90 days, a comprehensive U.S. 6G global dominance strategy.

The legislation is expected to be marked up during a meeting of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. To read the full text of the legislation, click here.

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