HR-5227 : Still Just a Bill

H.R. 5227, also known as the "Chinese Electronics Defense Act of 2023," seeks to prohibit the Department of Defense from acquiring computers or printers manufactured by or from entities controlled by the Government of the People's Republic of China.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• The Secretary of Defense is prohibited from acquiring computers or printers if the manufacturer, bidder, or offeror is a "covered Chinese entity."
• A "covered Chinese entity" is defined as an entity determined by the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of the National Intelligence or the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to be owned, controlled, directed, or subcontracted by, affiliated with, or otherwise connected to the Government of the People's Republic of China.
• The term "manufacturer" is defined broadly to include entities that transform raw materials into the end item, subcontractors, entities that direct the transformation process, and parent companies, subsidiaries, or affiliates of the entity transforming the raw materials.
• The restrictions will apply to contracts or agreements entered into, renewed, or extended after the date the Act is enacted.