[ctphipps]

The headline seems sensationalized. The article doesn't mention a recommendation not to use, it simply was the absence of a recommendation at all.

"...asked the group to raise their hands if they would recommend private American citizens use products or services made by Apple competitor Huawei or smartphone maker ZTE."

The US Government is not in the business of recommending device brands or services to private individuals, and not making a recommendation is not the same as recommending against.

[caf]

Yes. I would say there it is pertinent to consider why the Senator did not word the question as "Would you recommend private American citizens avoid using products or services...".