WASHINGTON -- The US Congress is considering legislation to block ZTE from accessing the US markets.

The move comes after the Trump administration reached a deal that would permit the embattled company to pay a massive fine and shake up its management ranks in order to regain access to its key market.

Under a deal agreed to Thursday, ZTE would pay a $1 billion fine, and have 30 days to change its senior management and board of directors and appoint a compliance team including US regulators.

ZTE would also put an additional $400 million in escrow as a hedge against future violations. China would also agree to approve Qualcomm’s proposed acquisition of NXP Semiconductors, which it previously blocked.

The $1.4 billion payout would come on top of the billion-dollar fine levied by the US against the Chinese electronics telecom company for violating US laws regarding conducting business with blacklisted foreign nations.

US officials claim ZTE sent products to Iran and North Korea in violation of US sanctions against those countries.

China has been looking for a way to resolve the issue as ZTE employs 75,000 workers. The penalties incurred by the company have led to a shutdown of ZTE's operations.

US congressmen moved quickly to quash the agreement, introducing bipartisan legislation that would restore penalties on ZTE for violating export controls and bar US government agencies from purchasing or leasing equipment or services from ZTE or Huawei Technologies. Legislators are claiming they have enough votes to ensure passage of the new bill and to overcome any possible presidential veto.

Register now for PCB WEST, the largest trade show for the printed circuit and electronics industry in the Silicon Valley! Coming Sept. 11-13 to the Santa Clara Convention Center.