U.S. Senators Dave McCormick, Ruben Gallego, John Cornyn and John Fetterman introduced the Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act on September 25. The bipartisan proposal would extend federal procurement restrictions to optical networking components used in national-security systems.
The proposal reaches hardware, firmware and affiliates
According to the sponsors, the bill would cover InnoLight, Eoptolink, their subsidiaries and affiliates, and additional adversary-linked suppliers designated by federal agencies. It would also reach covered products that incorporate their firmware, software or components. A five-year transition would precede the prohibition.
The measure would direct the Commerce Department to assess U.S. and allied production capacity and develop a supply-chain strategy. Limited renewable waivers would be available when no trusted alternative exists, with each waiver reported to Congress.
A proposed procurement rule, not a current ban
Optical transceivers move data over high-speed fiber and are used in the networks that connect AI and data-center infrastructure. Reuters independently reported the bill and its focus on sensitive government systems. The sponsors’ security rationale and industry-share estimates are policy claims; introduction does not mean the measure will pass, and no government-wide prohibition takes effect unless legislation is enacted.