Secondary air pump delete underway: what's this thing?

I'm removing the junk associated with the secondary air pump.  I'd like to remove the metal tubes that pass under the engine front and connect the two manifolds, but there is an electrical/vacuum component mounted on the driver side tube (see arrow in pictures below).

What is that thing?  Can it be removed and tossed along with the rest of the air pump junk, or does it fulfill some additional and necessary function?

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You don't need to connect the manifolds. Just remove the fittings and use pipe plugs. SS Socket drive plugs look best.

I'm not trying to connect the manifolds. I want to remove the steel tubes that connect the manifolds to the air pump. I already capped the ports on the manifold with 5/8 flare fittings. I know it's not necessary to remove the metal tubes, but as I've already removed the pump and relay, they are just in the way.

Bingo! I found the suspect component's identity elsewhere: It is the Secondary Air Injection Vacuum Bleed Valve Solonoid. Who knew?

It's gone now, along with the rest of the air pump junk.