HPSCI To Hold Open Hearings on Huawei and ZTE

For Immediate Release                             Contact:  Susan Phalen
September 6, 2012                                    (202) 225-4121

House Intelligence Committee to Hold Open Hearing on National Security Threats Posed by Chinese Telecom Companies Huawei and ZTE

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today announced the House Intelligence Committee will hold an open hearing on Thursday, September 13, 2012, as part of their investigation into the national security threats posed by Chinese telecommunications companies working in the United States.  The hearing will be begin at 10:00am in the U.S. Capitol, room HVC-210.  The hearing is open to the public.

Full Committee Hearing – Open to the Public

Date:               September 13, 2012  (Thursday)
Topic:             “National Security Threats Posed by Chinese Telecom Companies Working in the U.S.”
Time:              10:00am – 1:00pm ET
Location:        HVC-210
Witnesses:      Representatives from Huawei and ZTE

In early 2011, shortly after becoming Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee, Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger instructed committee staff to conduct a preliminary review of the national security threats posed by Chinese telecom companies doing business in the United States.  The preliminary review suggested that the threat to the supply chain constitutes a rising national security concern of the highest priority.  Thus, on November 17, 2011, the House Intelligence Committee launched a full investigation, focusing on the two main Chinese telecom companies doing business in the United States, Huawei and ZTE.

The focus of the investigation, which is still underway, is to review the history and operations of key Chinese companies that are seeking to expand their footprint in the United States market.  The investigation is reviewing the extent to which these companies have ties to the Chinese government, or otherwise provide the Chinese government an opportunity for greater foreign espionage, threaten our critical infrastructure, or increase the opportunities for Chinese economic espionage. 

Note on Coverage

Only Congressionally credentialed members of the media will be allowed access to the press viewing area in the committee hearing room.

Members of the media who are not congressionally credentialed may contact their respective Galleries to apply for a temporary press credential (see numbers below).

All television crews must RSVP to the House Radio TV Gallery at 202-225-5214.

Gallery contact information:

House Radio/TV Gallery:             202-225-5214
House Periodical Gallery:            202-225-2941
House Daily Press Gallery:          202-225-3945
Photographer Gallery:                 202-224-6548

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