ADVERTISEMENT

Huawei Spending on Lobbyists Surges in Push to Counter U.S. Bans

Huawei Spending on Lobbyists Surges in Push to Counter U.S. Bans

Huawei Technologies Co. ramped up spending on Washington lobbyists last quarter as a U.S. ban on the company’s equipment means it would be left out of projects associated with the billions Congress plans to spend on infrastructure.

Huawei spent $1.06 million in the second quarter of 2021, up from $180,000 in the first quarter this year, according to disclosures filed Tuesday. The company listed broadband and infrastructure bills as specific interests, as well as trade and a digital privacy measure.

Huawei didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

President Joe Biden extended a 2019 executive order from his predecessor prohibiting U.S. companies from using telecommunications equipment made by firms deemed to pose a national security risk, including Huawei.

That means the Chinese equipment maker would be left out of the $65 billion that Congress plans to spend on expanding broadband access as part of a $579 billion bipartisan infrastructure plan.

Read More: FCC Broadens Huawei, ZTE ‘Rip and Replace’ Reimbursement Rules

Congress also last year appropriated $1.8 billion to help remove and replace any Huawei gear currently in use. The Federal Communication Commission approved the program earlier this month.

©2021 Bloomberg L.P.