House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Communications & Technology Updates

Apr 22, 2026

Committees on Energy and Commerce and Financial Services Introduce Pair of Privacy Bills to Establish Comprehensive Data Protections for All Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Leader of the Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group and Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, joined Congressman French Hill (AR-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02), Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, and Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, to introduce their respective legislation, the SECURE Data Act and the GUARD Financial Data Act.

Attributable to Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Congress, and Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Leader of the Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group and Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations:

“The Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group was created to reset the discussion on comprehensive data privacy, taking wide ranging input from stakeholders and crafting a consensus bill that protects the privacy and security of Americans’ personal data. The SECURE Data Act is the result. This bill establishes clear, enforceable protections so that Americans remain in charge of their own data and companies are held accountable for its safe keeping. We look forward to working with our colleagues to build support for this bill and advance data privacy protections fit for our 21st century economy.”

Attributable to Congressman French Hill (AR-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, and Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence:

“For decades, Americans have entrusted financial institutions to maintain the privacy and security of their financial information. Twenty-six years ago, when the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) became law, it was written in a technology-neutral fashion that has adapted well to the changes in technology and types of consumer data that have developed since 1999. But, in that time, the volume and complexity of data have increased such that providing consumers greater control over their financial data has become imperative.

“That is why we have introduced the GUARD Financial Data Act to modernize the GLBA. Our bill minimizes data collection and disclosures; allows customers and former customers to request access to their financial data held by a financial institution; allows former customers of a financial institution to request deletion of their data; and requires a financial institution to receive a consumer’s affirmative opt-in consent before sensitive personal information can be disclosed.

“The Financial Services Committee is proud to introduce these commonsense protections in coordination with the Energy and Commerce Committee as part of a unified House Republican effort to ensure Americans’ data privacy rights. This effort represents a significant step to strengthen consumer protections and ensure Americans have control over their financial data. We look forward to continuing to work together as these measures progress through the legislative process.”

BACKGROUND:

Congressman John Joyce, M.D. led the Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group.
The working group received over 250 written responses and held meetings with over 170 different organizations to gather feedback and create the strongest bill possible.
In addition to Congressman John Joyce, M.D., each member of the working group will be sponsors of the bill, including Representatives Morgan Griffith (VA-09),Troy Balderson (OH-12), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Russell Fry (SC-07), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Tom Kean (NJ-07), Craig Goldman (TX-12), and Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL).
The SECURE Data Act:
Establishes a national privacy and data security standard to protect the personal data of all Americans and their families.
Builds on the proven framework adopted by the overwhelming majority of states that have enacted comprehensive privacy and data security laws.
Establishes new rights for consumers and obligations for companies—enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys-general.

Consumer Privacy Rights

Consumers will have the right to:
Know their data is being collected and used.
Access a copy of their personal data, including in a portable format.
Delete their personal data.
Opt-out of targeted advertising, sales of personal data, and certain automated decisions.
Sensitive data can only be processed with a consumer’s consent.
A parent’s consent is required to process a child and teens’ personal data.

Commonsense Obligations on Businesses

Companies must:
Limit their collection of personal data to what is “adequate, relevant, and reasonably necessary” for the purposes disclosed to consumers.
Disclose what personal data they share with others, including any personal data processed in or sold to China, Russia, or other foreign adversaries.
Implement data security practices to protect the personal data they process.
Data brokers must:
Comply with the data minimization, disclosure, and data security requirements.
Register with the FTC and provide information about their privacy and data security practices and about the personal data they sell.
The FTC will establish a searchable public-facing registry of data brokers, where consumers can learn how to exercise their privacy rights.

Advances American Leadership in the Global Digital Economy

The Secretary of Commerce is empowered to:
Continue its longstanding promotion of cross-border data flows and the protection of personal data in international commerce.
Address the negative impacts of foreign data localization and data transfer restrictions.
Protect Americans’ data from the risks posed by foreign adversaries.

CLICK HERE to read the Energy and Commerce and Financial Services Committees joint one-pager.

CLICK HERE to view the Committee on Energy and Commerce’s SECURE Data Act.

CLICK HERE to view the Committee on Financial Services’ GUARD Financial Data Act.

Apr 21, 2026

Communications & Technology

House Passes Telecom Bills to Streamline Bureaucratic Permitting Processes and Strengthen Emergency Communications

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, along with Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, celebrated the House passage of legislation to cut permitting red tape and strengthen American emergency communications systems.

“Secure, innovative, and reliable communications infrastructure underpins the foundation of the modern economy, allowing Americans to gain access to job and education opportunities, telehealth services, and tools to stay in touch with loved ones. By modernizing critical emergency communications and speeding up the permitting process for broadband buildout, these bills ensure all Americans can access the technologies they need to fully participate in the digital world,”said Chairman Guthrie. “I thank my colleagues for their diligent, bipartisan work to find common ground and advance such important legislation.”

"Whether in the normal course of life or in moments of crisis, Americans deserve cutting-edge infrastructure that works. Our legislation that passed the House this week prioritizes transparency, investment, and reliability as we streamline permitting and strengthen our emergency response systems," said Chairman Hudson. "I appreciate the work our colleagues have put into these bills to close the digital divide and keep Americans safe."

BACKGROUND:

H.R. 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026—Rep. Dunn (FL-02)

This legislation reauthorizes the First Responder Network Authority for 10 years and makes several improvements to ensure the long-term success of the network for first responders, while increasing transparency and accountability within the program.

These reforms include bringing FirstNet fully under the purview of NTIA, increasing the number of public safety professionals on the Board from three to five, updating the law to allow for network investment including advanced technologies, and improving audit, evaluation, and reporting requirements.

H.R. 7022, the Mystic Alerts Act—Rep. Pfluger (TX-11)

This legislation would improve public safety capabilities by kickstarting the process for mobile service providers to utilize satellite connectivity to send alert messages in areas that may not have access to terrestrial cell network coverage.

H.R. 1681, the Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act—Rep. Evans (CO-08)

This legislation would direct NTIA to lead an interagency strike force to help prioritize reviews of requests to deploy broadband on federal land.

H.R. 1343, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act—Rep. Pfluger (TX-11)

This legislation would require NTIA to submit a plan to Congress on tracking the acceptance, processing, and disposal of requests to deploy broadband on federal property.

H.R. 5200, the Emergency Reporting Act—Rep. Matsui (CA-07)

This legislation would increase the reliability and resiliency of our emergency communications infrastructure by requiring additional data collection after an outage that affects 911 services and to use that data to issue recommendations for improvements.

H.R. 5201, the Kari's Law Reporting Act—Rep. Matsui (CA-07)

This legislation would help ensure that manufacturers of telephone systems commonly found in large buildings or on campuses are complying with federal law to make it easier to dial 911 from these systems and aid first responders in case of an emergency.

S. 98, the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025—Sen. Capito (R-WV)

This legislation would enhance safeguards used to vet applicants seeking Universal Service Fund funding and ensure the program is serving hard-to-reach rural areas in our efforts to close the digital divide.

Apr 21, 2026

Communications & Technology

Chairman Hudson Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Hearing on Updating Satellite Regulations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing on updating satellite regulations.

Subcommittee Chairman Hudson’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“While a lot of focus on space in recent weeks has been on NASA and the Artemis II mission around the moon, what people may not know is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also plays a key role in space. The spectrum that commercial satellites and other spacecraft use to communicate with each other – and back to the earth – is regulated and licensed by the FCC.

“The FCC also coordinates with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which manages global orbital assignments. That means the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the best Committee in Congress, has jurisdiction over the space economy.

“The satellite industry has been in a period of robust growth and innovation over the last decade, and U.S. companies are leading the way. While we have long relied on satellite technology for GPS and key services supporting functions of the U.S. government, satellite technology is playing an increasingly important role in our communications infrastructure.

“Satellite-based services have also been transformational for our first responders when they need reliable communications the most. In my home state of North Carolina when Hurricane Helene devastated terrestrial-based infrastructure, satellite was able to bridge the gap and keep first responders connected. Satellite-based services will also continue to impact other industries, including precision agriculture, maritime, aviation, logistics and supply chains, energy, and mining operations.

“Since our last subcommittee event dedicated to this topic a few years ago, new partnerships have been announced between satellite operators and mobile carriers to help bolster cellular coverage. We are also hearing more about space-based enterprise communications services and orbital data centers. Who knows what other developments are on the horizon.

“Demand for these services has resulted in the deployment of thousands of new satellites in recent years. And while work is ongoing at the FCC to update their rules for the 21st century, it is essential our Committee continues to be part of the conversation.

“Today, we will hear from a variety of representatives of the industry about how the industry has evolved and lingering challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the U.S. continues to lead.

“Included in today’s hearing is legislative text for Chairman Guthrie’s Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act, co-led by Ranking Member Pallone.

This legislation is aimed at streamlining licensing of space-based communications services, providing more certainty of operators of these systems, and ultimately securing U.S. leadership in satellite communications technology for years to come.”

Apr 21, 2026

Communications & Technology

C&T Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Updating Satellite Regulations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a hearing titled SAT Streamlining Act: Modernizing Satellite Licensing for the Final Frontier.

“Satellites are helping us close the digital divide by providing broadband and other critical services in remote locations. In fact, these next-generation satellite networks provide broadband at speeds and latency that rivals other forms of broadband service, connecting Americans who were previously unserved or underserved,” said Chairman Hudson.“And while work is ongoing at the FCC to update their rules for the 21st century, it is essential our committee continues to be part of the conversation.”

Watch the full hearing here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing:

4.21 Allen.JPG

Congressman Rick Allen (GA-12): “Direct-to-device and broadband services are rapidly developing. What can Congress do to help encourage this innovation and provide for new entrants into this marketplace?” Mr. Goel: “I think Congress is doing the right things. I think this bill will help. On the FCC licensing side, I think it'll even have spillover effects on NTIA. There's always a dynamic where you almost need an excuse to hurry up the feds at the other agencies and say, ‘I've got a deadline,’ and this bill is going to do it.”

4.21 Latta.JPG

Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05): “In your testimony, it says ‘it requires us to move as fast as the innovators we oversee’. And we want to make sure that we're not hurting the innovators or the entrepreneurs out there with the legislation and the regulations. What do you see, again, especially when we're talking about licensing processes? [...] Especially when you think about Communist China and what happens over there?” Mr. Goel: “I think it puts us behind by a lot. It makes everything cost more. People waste their money on lawyers like me when they should just be able to tell what the rules are and what the requirements are and file an application and deal with some back and forth and get a license. Your point about China is extremely well taken. [...] I think it's pretty safe to say that the United States industry is well ahead of China right now in space, but you are seeing extremely deliberate and focused planning in China, from launch to broadband to imaging across the board to AI in space. So, I don't think we should be slowing down. I think people should be able to tell when they'll be able to provide service based on what they see on paper. I think that's what streamlining is really going to accomplish and unlock a lot of benefits.”

4.21 Pfluger.JPG

Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11): “How will the SAT Streamlining Act directly impact companies and how will the implementation of laws such as the Mystic Alerts Act be affected if we don't fix the licensing process underlying them?” Ms. Azocar: “The streamlining of licensing will enable more providers to provide a variety of different services to end users in the event of a natural disaster. Because, as Tom [Stroup] has indicated, satellite service—by its nature—is resilient and redundant in a natural disaster scenario.”

Apr 15, 2026

Communications & Technology

Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson Announce Hearing on Updating Satellite Regulations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, 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 SAT Streamlining Act: Modernizing Satellite Licensing for the Final Frontier.

“American innovators are at the leading edge of technological advancements that will serve our families and businesses for years to come. Unfortunately, our laws governing satellite technologies often do not reflect our ability and shared goal to continue that progress,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson. “We look forward to a conversation about modernizing our regulations so that bureaucracy and red tape do not prevent another great American century.”

Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled SAT Streamlining Act: Modernizing Satellite Licensing for the Final Frontier.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing on updating satellite regulations.

DATE: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

TIME: 2:00 PM ET

LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

This hearing will focus on the following bill:

H.R. 8255, the SAT Streamlining Act (Rep. Brett Guthrie)

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 with the Committee staff at Noah.Jackson@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov.

Mar 26, 2026

Press Release

Chairman Hudson Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Hearing to Review the 1996 Telecom Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled The Telecommunications Act of 1996: 30 Years Later . Subcommittee Chairman Hudson’s opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Good morning, and welcome to today’s hearing examining the Telecommunications Act of 1996. “It’s hard to believe that 1996 was 30 years ago. That February, I was a student at UNC Charlotte. I won’t ask my colleagues where they were at that time – or staff if they were even born yet. Here in Washington, right across the street at the Library of Congress, members of Congress celebrated the passage of the Telecommunications Act. I have to admit, this event was not on my radar as a senior in college. “However, the Telecom Act was a huge milestone when it was enacted. It was the first major rewrite of communications policy since the Communications Act of 1934. The law was designed to deregulate the market, unleash competition, and open opportunities for new technologies and services. In many ways, it succeeded. By eliminating certain monopoly-era laws and preempting state and local barriers, the Telecom Act opened the communications ecosystem to new players, leading to competition and innovation that ultimately benefited consumers. “Competitors could enter local phone markets, telephone companies could now provide video, cable companies could provide voice service, and they could do this while entering markets they previously could not serve. It also enshrined the principles of universal service that are so important to rural America. Finally, it included what we now know as Section 230—26 words that created the internet economy we know today. “But the world has changed significantly since 1996. Back then, the Internet was a new technology. We were just beginning to hear the familiar, but now extinct, dial-up tone and use web browsers like Netscape. None of us could have predicted the technological revolution that was coming. “The Telecom Act unfortunately did not foresee how essential broadband would be to our lives. Nor did it see the rise of new ways to communicate. Back then, everyone relied on their home landline to make calls. Cell phones were considered a luxury. But today, we all have a computer in our pocket that among other things is a very quality cell phone. I’m not sure if any of us even still have a home phone...if we do, I wonder how many can even remember their number. “And if we wanted to talk with someone on the other side of the world in 1996, we had to rely on a long-distance carrier to place an expensive, charge-by-the-minute call, whereas today, we can connect with anyone, anywhere via a cell phone call, a video call, a text message, or through social media. “The world of 1996 looks nothing like the world of today, and it’s time we update our laws to reflect that. That’s why we are holding this hearing. Today’s hearing is an opportunity to look back at the Telecom Act—as well as the law it amended, the Communications Act of 1934—and find out what continues to work and what does not. “For example, does it still make sense to regulate communications technologies in different silos? Do we still need an entire section on payphone service? Is it time to revisit Section 230? And how should we address media ownership as broadcasters must now compete for engagement and revenue against platforms that did not exist in 1996? Congress needs to consider how we should modernize our communications policy framework to reflect the technologies of today in way that will also work for the technologies of tomorrow. “We have an esteemed panel of witnesses here today—some of whom were intimately involved with drafting the Telecom Act. I look forward to hearing from them, and I look forward to this discussion.” ###

Mar 26, 2026

Communications & Technology

C&T Subcommittee Holds Hearing to Review the 1996 Telecom Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a hearing titled The Telecommunications Act of 1996: 30 Years Later . “The world of 1996 looks nothing like the world of today, and it’s time we update our laws to reflect that,” said Chairman Hudson. “Congress needs to consider how we should modernize our communications policy framework to reflect the technologies of today in a way that will also work for the technologies of tomorrow.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05): “Can we maintain a light-touch regulatory approach to ensure we maintain that lead globally when we talk about telecommunications in the United States?” Mr. Pickering: “Yes, I believe we can take a light-touch approach, building on the lessons from the ’96 Act. That approach now applies to both energy and telecommunications, including broadband—the critical infrastructure for AI that converges at the data center. You’re in a great position as Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee, working with Chairman Hudson, to advance permitting reform this session. We’re in a race against China, and the clock is ticking. Their advantages could swing the race in their favor if we don’t act in this Congress. We need to build new energy networks and capacity, as well as achieve the fiber connectivity that distributes AI applications and uses across the country.” Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01): “30 years is a long time. Think of what has changed in 30 years, particularly when you talk about telecommunications. And don’t get me wrong—the Telecommunications Act of 1996, we all agree, was great. It unleashed competition and innovation, but it was different then. We need to make sure we are dealing with the [modern] times.” Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11): “I’d like to ask how Congress should update the framework of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to match the work Chairman Carr is doing, such as deleting obsolete, technology-specific rules and moving toward a more technology-neutral approach.” Mr. Thierer: “The ‘delete, delete, delete’ proceeding is a good example of how we can move in that direction. We should have been doing that a long time ago. Instead, Congress, in the Telecommunications Act, delegated broad forbearance authority and hoped the FCC would voluntarily loosen the chains—and it hasn’t worked out that way.” ###

Mar 23, 2026

Press Release

Energy and Commerce Weekly Look Ahead: The Week of March 23rd, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding two Subcommittee Hearings and one Full Committee Markup. Read more below. FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP: The Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold a markup of two bills to reauthorize FirstNet and modernize the emergency alert system. DATE: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 TIME: 10:15 AM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology is holding a hearing to review the 1996 Telecom Act. DATE: Thursday, March 26, 2026 TIME: 10:15 AM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health is holding a hearing on how the Committee is cracking down on illicit drug threats in order to protect Americans families and keep communities safe. DATE: Thursday, March 26, 2026 TIME: 2:00 PM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building ###

Mar 20, 2026

Press Release

Johnson, Scalise, Guthrie, Jordan, Babin: House Will Work to Implement National AI Framework

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (LA-01), Congressman Jim Jordan (OH-04), Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, and Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), Chairman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, issued the following statement after the White House released a federal AI framework . “AI has begun to demonstrate its potential to improve Americans’ lives. To ensure we continue to harness its potential and beat China in the global AI race, Congress must take action. Today, the Trump Administration took a critical step in releasing a framework that gives Congress a roadmap to pursue legislation that provides innovators with much-needed certainty, while protecting consumers and prioritizing kids’ online safety. House Republicans look forward to working across the aisle to enact a national framework that unleashes the full potential of AI, cements the U.S. as the global leader, and provides important protections for American families.” ###