Communications & Technology

Subcommittee

Subcommittee on Communications & Technology

Electronic communications, both Interstate and foreign, including voice, video, audio and data, whether transmitted by wire or wirelessly, and whether transmitted by telecommunications, commercial or private mobile service, broadcast, cable, satellite, microwave, or other mode; technology generally; emergency and public safety communications; cybersecurity, privacy, and data security; the Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Office of Emergency Communications in the Department of Homeland Security; and all aspects of the above-referenced jurisdiction related to the Department of Homeland Security.

Subcommittees News & Announcements


Mar 22, 2024
In the News

Chair Rodgers Joins Newsmax to Discuss Forcing TikTok to Divest from the CCP

Today, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) joined Wake Up America on Newsmax to discuss H.R. 7521, the  Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.   The bill, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, will protect Americans by preventing foreign adversaries, such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating the American people through applications, like TikTok.  Highlights and excerpts from the interview: On Why H.R 7521 Passed with Strong Bipartisan Support:   “This is important legislation to protect Americans from the Chinese Communist Party. “TikTok is a tool that is controlled by ByteDance, and ultimately, the Chinese Communist Party. “The legislation is a targeted approach to protect us from these applications that are controlled by foreign adversaries that are collecting massive amounts of data and can ultimately use that as a destructive tool to target American children.   “The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed this bill that would force TikTok to make the choice as to whether or not it wants to remain controlled by ByteDance, and ultimately the Chinese Communist Party, or if there would be a sale of TikTok. “The legislation is based upon national security concerns and the House took action.” On the National Security Threats Posed by TikTok: “The day that the Energy and Commerce Committee voted [on the bill], that morning TikTok blocked its users […] from even getting onto the app until they called their Member of Congress. “We all were flooded by calls from individuals, some [from] kids who didn’t even know what Congress is, and they didn’t understand what was going on. “This is just a small taste of what TikTok is capable of doing. “TikTok is collecting massive amounts of data on Americans. [There are] 177 million users. They are collecting location data, your contacts, your search history. We know that this is how the CCP operates in China. They collect data and they surveil ultimately to control their citizens. “We cannot trust China to protect American user data or to uphold American values, like freedom. And that is why so many Members in the House, 352 Republicans and Democrats, believe that we must take action. “It really is critical that we take action to protect America, to protect American users, and our children from TikTok and other apps that are controlled by foreign adversaries.” On the Necessity for the Senate to Act: “I believe that the Senate needs to act. The overwhelming vote in the House sent a very strong message to the Senate. “I know that the Senate received a classified briefing and Senator Mark Warner and Senator Marco Rubio have come out in support of this legislation. Other Senators are also coming on board, believing that we must take action.”



Mar 20, 2024
Blog

Full Committee Markup Recap: E&C Advances 28 Bills to the Full House

The Energy and Commerce Committee advanced 28 bills to the Full House today to support patients, secure communications infrastructure from adversaries, and further American energy and environmental leadership. As Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said : “The breadth of solutions we’re considering is just the latest example of the Energy and Commerce Committee working together to deliver real results for the American people. I applaud my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their hard work on all of these bills.” Legislative Vote Summary: Communications and Technology Subcommittee: H.R. 2864 , the Countering CCP Drones Act , led by Rep. Stefanik,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 43 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 820 , the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act, led by Rep. Stefanik,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 44 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 1513 , the Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhancing (FUTURE) Networks Act , led by Rep. Matsui,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 44 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7589 , the Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security (ROUTERS) Act , led by Rep. Latta, was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 43 Yeas to 0 Nays. Health Subcommittee: H.R. 619 ,  the NAPA Reauthorization Act , led by Rep. Tonko,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 43 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 620 ,  the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act, led by Rep. C. Smith,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 43 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7218 ,  the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act of 2024 , led by Rep. Guthrie,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 44 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 4581 ,  the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2024, led by Rep. Hinson,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 44 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 2706 , the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act , led by Rep. Cammack,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 46 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 4646 ,  the SIREN Reauthorization Act , led by Rep. D. Joyce,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 46 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 6160 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a lifespan respite care program, led by Rep. Molinaro, was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 46 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 6960 , the Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024, led by Rep. Carter,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 48 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7153 ,  the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act , led by Rep. Wild,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 48 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7251 ,  the Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024, led by Rep. Chavez-DeRemer,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 47 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7224 , T o amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program , led by Rep. Cohen,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 45 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7208 ,  the Dennis John Beningo Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2024, led by Rep. Pascrell,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 44 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 6829 ,  the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, and Research, and AED Training in the Schools (HEARTS) Act of 2024 , led by Rep. Pallone,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 42 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7189 ,  the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024 , led by Rep. Bilirakis,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 43 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 7406 ,  the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024 , led by Rep. McMorris Rodgers,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 45 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 3916 ,  the SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2024 , led by Rep. Morelle,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 46 Yeas to 0 Nays.  H.R. 5074 ,  the Kidney PATIENT Act, led by Rep. Carter, was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 36 Yeas to 10 Nays.  Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee: H.R. 7655 ,  the Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act of 2024 , led by Rep. Duncan,  was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 27 Yeas to 18 Nays.  H.R. 7673 ,  the Liberty in Laundry Act , led by Rep. Ogles,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 22 Yeas to 19 Nays.  H.R. 7645 ,  the Clothes Dryers Reliability Act , led by Rep. Ezell,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 25 Yeas to 20 Nays.  H.R. 7637 ,  the Refrigerator Freedom Act , led by Rep. Miller-Meeks,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 25 Yeas to 21 Nays.  H.R. 7626 ,  the Affordable Air Conditioning Act , led by Rep. Crenshaw,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 24 Yeas to 21 Nays.  H.R. 7700 ,  the Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards (SUDS) Act , led by Rep. Langworthy,  was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 25 Yeas to 21 Nays.  Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittees: H.R. 7650 ,  the Air Quality Standards Implementation Act of 2024 , led by Rep. Carter, was reported to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 26 Yeas to 21 Nays.



Mar 18, 2024
Blog

Chair Rodgers Joins the Fox News Rundown

This weekend, Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) joined the Fox News Rundown to discuss House passage of H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The bill, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, will protect Americans by preventing foreign adversaries, such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating the American people through applications, like TikTok. Highlights and excerpts from the interview: “The choice is TikTok’s. They can either choose to continue to operate under the control of the Chinese Communist Party, because they are owned by ByteDance, or they can choose to divest from ByteDance and the Chinese Communist Party and continue to operate in the United States of America and businesses and individual users can continue to use the app the way that they always have.” “This bill only applies to applications that are subject to the control of specific adversaries that are listed in the bill. We list these foreign adversaries as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.” “TikTok has repeatedly been caught in this lie that it doesn’t answer to the Chinese Communist Party through ByteDance. We know that TikTok has been used to spy on American journalists. We know that TikTok has been used to surveil American user data.” “[China] has the potential to manipulate people for their own gain.” “Even internal TikTok employee recordings have revealed ‘everything is seen in China.’ We know that we cannot trust China to safeguard our data.” “We have grave concerns about TikTok being owned by a foreign adversary and having this access and what that means to our national security. We’ve been briefed by our national intelligence agencies, and they have impressed upon us that this is a very real threat.” “Immediately after the bill passed, the [leaders] of the [Senate] Intelligence Committee, Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Marco Rubio issued a statement in support [of the bill]. There’s other Senators that are voicing support for the bill and for us taking action.”


Subcommittee Members

(28)

Chairman Communications and Technology

Bob Latta

R

Ohio – District 5

Vice Chair Communications and Technology

Buddy Carter

R

Georgia – District 1

Ranking Member Communications and Technology

Doris Matsui

D

California – District 7

Gus Bilirakis

R

Florida – District 12

Tim Walberg

R

Michigan – District 5

Neal Dunn, M.D.

R

Florida – District 2

John Curtis

R

Utah – District 3

John Joyce

R

Pennsylvania – District 13

Randy Weber

R

Texas – District 14

Rick Allen

R

Georgia – District 12

Troy Balderson

R

Ohio – District 12

Russ Fulcher

R

Idaho – District 1

August Pfluger

R

Texas – District 11

Diana Harshbarger

R

Tennessee – District 1

Kat Cammack

R

Florida – District 3

Jay Obernolte

R

California – District 23

Cathy McMorris Rodgers

R

Washington – District 5

Yvette Clarke

D

New York – District 9

Marc Veasey

D

Texas – District 33

Darren Soto

D

Florida – District 9

Anna Eshoo

D

California – District 16

Tony Cardenas

D

California – District 29

Angie Craig

D

Minnesota – District 2

Lizzie Fletcher

D

Texas – District 7

Debbie Dingell

D

Michigan – District 6

Ann Kuster

D

New Hampshire – District 2

Robin Kelly

D

Illinois – District 2

Frank Pallone

D

New Jersey – District 6

Recent Letters


Jan 17, 2024
Press Release

E&C, China Select Committees Launch Inquiry into Taxpayer Funding Streams Funneled to CCP-Backed Researcher

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee (E&C) Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), E&C Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chair Bob Latta (R-OH), E&C Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA), E&C Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, launched an investigation into grants made to an AI scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).  The Chairs made requests for documents to UCLA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).  BACKGROUND :  On November 1, 2023, a Newsweek investigation found that the federal government awarded at least $30 million in federal research grants led by Mr. Song-Chun Zhu, who is now “at the forefront of China's race to develop the most advanced artificial intelligence.”  The investigation further revealed the NSF and DOD continued funding Mr. Zhu even as he “set up a parallel institute near Wuhan, took a position at a Beijing university whose primary goal is to support Chinese military research, and joined a CCP ‘talent plan’ whose members are tasked with transferring knowledge and technology to China.”  In particular, Newsweek found that the project once led by Mr. Zhu received $1.2 million in two grants from the Office of Naval Research in 2021, the year following his departure to China.  KEY LETTER EXCERPT:   “Mr. Zhu has openly discussed how if China takes the lead in developing a ‘truly universal intelligence,’ then it will ‘become the winner of the international technology competition.’ He has also referred to the AI race as being equivalent in military importance to the race for the atomic bomb. In a period of intensifying geopolitical competition with the CCP, ceasing federal government support for Chinese AI development is a critical national security imperative.”  CLICK HERE to read the letter to UCLA Chancellor Gener Block.  CLICK HERE to read the letter to NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan.  CLICK HERE to read the letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. 



E&C Republicans to NTIA: By Allowing States to Regulate Broadband Rates, NTIA is Ignoring Congressional Intent

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH), along with 14 other committee Republicans, sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson raising concerns that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is allowing states to regulate broadband rates under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and ignoring congressional intent.    KEY QUOTE:    “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which created the BEAD Program, explicitly prohibits the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and the NTIA from ‘regulat[ing] the rates charged for broadband service.’ During Senate floor debate on this legislation, members of Congress agreed that this language meant that ‘no rate regulation of broadband services would be authorized or permitted by NTIA or the Assistant Secretary who leads NTIA as part of the state broadband grant program.’  “Based on your testimony, it appears that you are planning to ignore this Congressional direction... you did not foreclose approval of state plans that regulated rates of broadband service. Indeed, when directly asked, ‘Will NTIA permit a state to rate regulate, yes or no,’ you did not provide a yes or no answer and instead stated that NTIA would give states flexibility on how to approach this issue. This ‘flexibility’ to pursue rate regulation is not only concerning, but is strictly prohibited.”  BACKGROUND:   At a December 5 hearing held by the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Assistant Secretary Davidson repeatedly suggested that NTIA would permit rate regulation by states participating in the BEAD program.  Last week, NTIA followed through on those suggestions by approving Louisiana’s Initial Proposal for BEAD, in which the state sets rates for certain broadband plans.  Assistant Secretary Davidson’s testimony, along with the approval of Louisiana’s proposal, raise serious concerns that NTIA is ignoring Congressional direction and may continue approving proposals that directly regulate the rate of broadband service.  CLICK HERE to read the full letter to NTIA. 



Dec 7, 2023
Press Release

House E&C, Senate Commerce Republicans Question Eventbrite over Seemingly Inconsistent Enforcement of Community Guidelines

Letter comes after Eventbrite censored conservative event while permitting pro-Hamas events Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chair Bob Latta (R-OH), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA), and Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, & Commerce Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), along with Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX) today wrote Eventbrite President and CEO Julia Hartz. The letter raises concerns over Eventbrite’s enforcement practices. BACKGROUND :  On October 23, 2023, Eventbrite removed an event listing titled, “Protecting Women’s Sports with Riley Gaines,” from its platform.    This event was intended to be a public forum for participants, including female athletes, to express issues, experiences, and consequences of biological males competing in their competitions.  Eventbrite listed “Rahm 4 Palestine (GAZA): Talk & Dinner,” scheduled for October 27, featuring a headline speaker who, after the October 7 Israeli massacre, using his verified X account, publicly posted antisemitic messaging that was viewed more than 1 million times.  A sold-out conference scheduled for November 10 in Washington, D.C., “Palestine Center 2023 Annual Conference,” was promoted on Eventbrite.    In advertising this event, organizers referred to the country of Israel as “Israeli apartheid” under Eventbrite’s “About this event” tab.  KEY LETTER EXCERPTS :  “In the last few weeks, Eventbrite, it seems, has selectively enforced its terms of service by removing some events while allowing potentially violative events to remain on the site. We raise the issues below not to dictate or remove events and users from your marketplace, but to better understand your Community Guidelines enforcement process .”  […]  “We struggle to comprehend the rationale for removing this event, while other Eventbrite listings that seemingly violate several of Eventbrite’s Community Guidelines remain live, including some that feature speakers espousing allegiance to entities designated by the U.S. Government as foreign terrorist organizations.”  […]  “Because Gaines’s promotion of the widely held view to preserve women’s athletics starkly contrasts with events on Eventbrite featuring speakers sympathetic to mass murder, this leads us to wonder if pro-terrorist and antisemitic events and event speakers do not plainly violate Eventbrite’s prohibition of content that would ‘discriminate against, harass, disparage, threaten, incite violence against, or otherwise target individuals or groups based on their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, religion, national origin.’ We seek information on what metrics Eventbrite uses to enforce its Community Guidelines on selected issues such as women’s athletics versus terrorism and antisemitism .”    CLICK HERE to read the full letter.