Communications & Technology

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a hearing titled Global Networks at Risk: Securing the Future of Telecommunications Infrastructure .  “Today, we rely on communications infrastructure in nearly every sector of our economy,” said Chairman Hudson. “As Americans become more connected, it is increasingly important the equipment we buy and the networks we rely on are secure, resilient, and protected from malicious actors.” Watch the full hearing here .  Below are key excerpts from yesterday’s hearing: Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07): “The systems that connect us, our networks, our satellites, cables, towers, and data centers form the invisible architecture of 21st century life. Safeguarding that infrastructure, as you've all talked about, is not just a matter of technology, it's a matter of strategy, security, and sovereignty.” Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01): “I represent the great state of Idaho and there is a lot of rural space there. A lot of the ISPs don't have a tremendous number of cybersecurity resources, but they will oftentimes be integrated with major infrastructure components. Whether it be a power plant or a grid or flood control or some of those major things that oftentimes can have an impact, without necessarily the infrastructure or the cybersecurity expertise to fend off some of these new threats that are on the way. I'd like to get any suggestions or comments on how CISA might be a resource for that or other sources of a counsel through your role at NTIA?” Mr. Stehlin: “Thank you for that. Idaho is a tremendous opportunity to take advantage of the monies put forth with rip and replace, for example. You know, these rural operators have a hard time making money running a business when you're so spread out. So, removing things like untrusted gear like Huawei or ZTE gear, critically important.” Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02): “Mr. Stroup, you mentioned in your testimony access to sufficient spectrum resources is necessary to secure infrastructure. Can you briefly elaborate on this and share what kind of spectrum authorities you think would make the most sense right now for the space industry?” Mr. Stroup: “ Our industry is growing substantially. As an example, approximately 10 years ago we had a thousand satellites operational. Today, that number is over twelve thousand. That's just to give you a sense of the growth in the industry.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications & Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  Global Networks At Risk: Securing The Future Of Telecommunications Infrastructure. Subcommittee Chairman Hudson's opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Good morning, and welcome to today’s subcommittee hearing on Global Networks at Risk: Securing the Future of Communications Infrastructure.  “This topic has never been more pressing. The United States is home to the world’s leading companies and innovators who are driving the development of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and next-generation wireless technologies. These innovations are critical not just to our economy, but to the future of global connectivity. “Communications are also central to our national defense. This is top of mind for me, especially as the Representative for Fort Bragg — home to the U.S. Special Forces and the largest military base in the world. Connectivity and secure communications networks are vital to maintaining our defense capabilities and keeping our nation safe. “Today, we rely on communications infrastructure in nearly every sector of our economy. As Americans become more connected, it is increasingly important the equipment we buy and the networks we rely on are secure, resilient, and protected from malicious actors.  “Unfortunately, the security of these networks is under threat.  “The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), for example, has been investing heavily to develop unsecure communications equipment and export it around the world to assist in their espionage activities, including in the United States. The known vulnerabilities in many technologies produced by foreign adversaries pose a direct threat to the national security of the United States.  “Last fall, we learned about Salt Typhoon, which may be the largest Chinese-backed telecommunications hack in our nation’s history.  These hackers infiltrated U.S. telecommunications companies’ networks, impacting at least nine providers. This infiltration enabled the hackers to 'geolocate millions of individuals and record phone calls,' and impacted senior U.S. officials, including then- President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance. “In addition to these vulnerabilities, there are an increasing number of physical attacks on communications infrastructure, such as undersea cables. These cables are responsible for carrying data traffic across oceans and are susceptible to damage by the elements and unintentional acts, such as anchors dragging along the seafloor. But they have also been intentionally sabotaged and because of their physical location under the ocean, it can be difficult to monitor unauthorized access to these cables.  “We must take decisive steps to address these threats. I was proud to support funding for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, which will support the removal of the remaining Chinese equipment in our communications networks.  “Another key aspect of securing our communications infrastructure is the review of foreign investments in U.S. networks. 'Team Telecom' is an interagency working group that reviews foreign investments in certain communications applications that come before the FCC.  “Team Telecom assesses the national security risks, law enforcement, and other policy considerations that may be associated with such investments. While this process is important, applications often get bogged down by delays and bureaucratic hurdles. We must find ways to make sure that national security concerns are addressed without hindering deployment. “Satellite technology also plays an increasingly important role in our communications infrastructure. Satellites provide broadband services, as well as mission critical services to critical infrastructure companies and the Federal government. Yet the regulations governing satellite operations have not kept pace with the growth in the industry.  “Last Congress, this committee led bipartisan legislation to streamline regulatory processes for satellite operators, and the Federal Communications Commission adopted many of these reforms. But more work remains to provide clarity and more certainty in the licensing process to ensure the U.S. remains a leader in this sector. “We must meet these challenges head-on. Innovation has provided untold benefits to Americans and to our economy.  I look forward to hearing from the witnesses today about these issues. “I now yield five minutes to my colleague, Ranking Member Doris Matsui, for her opening statement.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, announced a hearing titled Global Networks at Risk: Securing the Future of Telecommunications Infrastructure . “Our adversaries continually seek to exploit vulnerabilities in our communications infrastructure to jeopardize our national security, disrupt critical services, and steal Americans’ data. As the United States faces new and evolving threats, we must act quickly to strengthen our networks and support greater resilience by outpacing those who seek to do us harm,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson . “We look forward to this conversation with experts from across the industry on what steps Congress should take to ensure Americans continue to have access to secure and reliable networks.”    Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled Global Networks at Risk: Securing the Future of Telecommunications Infrastructure    WHAT : Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing on securing global networks.     DATE : Wednesday, April 30, 2025  TIME : 10:00 AM ET  LOCATION : 2322 Rayburn House Office Building   This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Noah Jackson at Noah.Jackson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov .   ###

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) today sent letters to five independent federal agencies urging the Biden-Harris administration appointees to abandon partisan efforts and instead focus remaining efforts on bipartisan, consensus items.   The letters state, “The results of the 2024 presidential election are now apparent and leadership of the [agency] will soon change. As a traditional part of the peaceful transfer of power, the [agency] should immediately stop work on any partisan or controversial item under consideration, consistent with applicable law and regulation.”    Click below to read each agency’s letter:   Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Federal Communications Commission (FCC)   Federal Trade Commission (FTC)   Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)   Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Note: In the letter, Chair Rodgers urges NRC to continue timely implementation of the ADVANCE Act. 

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), as well as Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) and Ranking Member Doris Matsui (D-CA),  sent letter s to AT&T , Verizon , and Lumen demanding answers and requesting a briefing following breaches of their communications networks by hackers tied to the Chinese government. Reporting from the  Wall Street Journal  revealed the cyberattack was focused on intelligence collection and may have accessed U.S. wiretapping requests.  KEY LETTER QUOTE :   “We are concerned by the recent reports of a massive breach of AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen’s communications networks by Chinese hackers. These types of breaches are increasing in frequency and severity, and there is a growing concern regarding the cybersecurity vulnerabilities embedded in U.S. telecommunications networks. The Committee needs to understand better how this incident occurred and what steps your company is taking to prevent future service disruptions and secure your customers’ data.” BACKGROUND :   On October 5th,  The Wall Street Journal  reported U.S. broadband providers were breached by a Chinese government-tied hacker organization. The attack appears to be geared towards intelligence collection, and Chinese hackers potentially accessed vulnerable information, including court-authorized network wiretapping requests and internet traffic. AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen are among the U.S. broadband providers breached. According to the  Wall Street Journal , “The widespread compromise is considered a potentially catastrophic security breach and was carried out by a sophisticated Chinese hacking group dubbed Salt Typhoon.” CLICK HERE to read the letter to AT&T. CLICK HERE to read the letter to Verizon. CLICK HERE to read the letter to Lumen.

Soros-linked fund to acquire more than 200 local radio stations weeks before election Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) led 40 of her Republican colleagues in demanding answers from the Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding her recent decision to fast-track a media deal allowing the Fund for Policy Reform, a group aligned with Democratic mega-donor George Soros, to buy over 200 radio stations just weeks before the 2024 election. With a party line vote of 3-2, the decision at the Commission level by the Democratic members of the FCC to temporarily waive the required national security review and allow excessive foreign ownership of American radio stations is deeply disturbing. KEY LETTER EXCERPT: “It is highly concerning that the FCC did not follow regular order for a transaction of this magnitude. Licensees and investors need certainty that the FCC will follow its rules and procedures when approving transactions so that the broadcast industry can have the resources it needs to continue serving the public.”  BACKGROUND: Audacy, Inc., a radio broadcasting group, which owns more than 200 radio-station licenses, filed for bankruptcy earlier this year.  Audacy’s filings revealed that a George Soros-backed group known as the Fund for Policy Reform had acquired at least 40 percent of Audacy’s debt.   Audacy estimated that, upon emerging from bankruptcy, 25 percent or more of its stock would be indirectly foreign owned, which triggers FCC review.   This review process requires national security agencies to review the transaction and offer any policy or national security concerns.   On September 30, 2024, the FCC released an Order granting a temporary waiver of this review process, delaying a national security review until after the bankruptcy process is complete and allowing foreign control of a significant number of radio stations across the entire United States, weeks before a national election. CLICK HERE to read Breitbart's exclusive coverage. CLICK HERE to read the full letter.