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Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) announced a subcommittee hearing today titled: “Connecting Every American: The Future of Rural Broadband Funding.”  “High-speed broadband is essential to participate in today’s modern economy, yet some Americans still do not have reliable Internet access, especially in rural communities. Congress has dedicated an unprecedented amount of taxpayer dollars towards closing this digital divide. As these resources are made available and new funding programs are considered, it is critical that we ensure taxpayer dollars aren't being wasted or duplicated. We look forward to hearing different perspectives as we consider these important questions,” Chairs Rodgers and Latta said. Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled: “Connecting Every American: The Future of Rural Broadband Funding.” WHAT: Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing on rural broadband and broadband funding. DATE: Thursday, September 21, 2023 TIME: 9:00 AM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Noah Jackson at Noah.Jackson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Sean Kelly at Sean.Kelly@mail.house.gov .

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing titled “Lights, Camera, Subscriptions: State of the Video Marketplace:” INCREASE IN CHOICES FOR AMERICANS “The video marketplace is rapidly changing. For over half a century, Americans viewed video programming one way – on a television in their homes. But the advent of Internet-connected TVs and devices allowed for the launch of streaming platforms to provide new choices for consumers beyond an over-the-air antenna, a satellite dish, or a cable box. “ Americans are no longer tethered to a rigid TV schedule. Today, viewers can choose where and when they watch TV, whether it’s at home, on the go, and everywhere in between. “This industry shift has ushered in an era of endless possibilities, redefining how we entertain, educate, and inform ourselves. “Today, consumers have unprecedented access to high-quality content. Statistics show Americans’ preferences are changing as streaming becomes an easy and affordable choice for Americans. “ For the first time, streaming providers claimed the largest portion of U.S. video viewership in July 2022. At that time, streaming viewership represented 34.8 percent of TV viewership while cable subscriptions represented 34.4 percent. In the same report published this month, streaming's share hit a new high of 38.7 percent of TV viewership, while cable’s share was at 29.6 percent. This shows that consumers continue to cut their cable subscriptions and move to streaming, or in other words are ‘cutting the cord.’" OUT-OF-DATE REGULATIONS   “ Yet, as this media landscape has drastically evolved, the regulatory environment has largely remained the same. The Cable Act - which is over 30 years old - still provides the bedrock framework for TV regulations today. “Burdensome regulations, including media ownership restrictions, retransmission consent, and must-carry requirements, are just a few of the regulations that constrain cable, satellite, and broadcasters. “ With the introduction of streaming services, we must resist the temptation to impose more regulations on a competitive, innovative industry. The largely unregulated streaming marketplace has allowed platforms to flourish and to negotiate deals to provide Americans with unprecedented access to content from local broadcasters, television shows, movies, and other content. “ Rather, we should focus on deregulating an overly regulated industry instead of imposing archaic 1990s-era regulations onto a new and vibrant industry. “It is our role in this Committee to determine what is still working, where we can reduce regulations, and how we can support American viewing choice while ensuring local broadcast continues to thrive." CHANGES SINCE THE CABLE ACT “Today’s hearing is just the beginning of this conversation. With the various changes in the industry, this hearing provides an opportunity for Congress to learn about: Issues with laws and regulations pertaining to Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs) like Comcast and Direct TV, and virtual MVPDs (vMVPDs), like Hulu Live TV, Fubo TV, and YouTube TV. The contrast between linear - or scheduled TV- and nonlinear - meaning on-demand content; and Outdated laws and regulations that may no longer make sense for today’s marketplace. “I look forward to our discussion today and thank our witnesses for their willingness to be here as representatives of their industries. “And before I recognize my colleague, the Ranking Member of this subcommittee, the gentlelady from California’s Seventh District, for her opening statement, I just want to make one last statement. I say this a lot about this committee. In our opinion, this is the greatest committee in Congress — the Energy and Commerce Committee. “And one of the things I really have to always say about it is this: we look over the horizon five to ten years because that’s where you all are in a lot of cases. We can’t go out there and think about enacting a piece of legislation, or laws in general, without knowing what’s happening out there. So, this is why it’s so important that we have this hearing today.”

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) today announced a hearing titled “Lights, Camera, Subscriptions: Assessing the State of the Video Marketplace.”  The Chairs released the following statement:   “Over the last decade, the video marketplace has undergone a transformative shift as more media content moves online. The introduction of streaming services expanded the options for consumers to choose where, when, and what content they view. While there is an unprecedented amount of content, like movies, TV shows, and news, available, the rise of these services creates challenges for traditional media providers who continue to compete despite being saddled with regulations. We look forward to discussing the evolution of this market, the steps Congress can take to ensure outdated regulations do not hinder innovation and competition, as well as how to bring the traditional marketplace into the 21st century.”  Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled: “Lights, Camera, Subscriptions: Assessing the State of the Video Marketplace.”  WHAT: Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing on how streaming services have disrupted the media marketplace.  DATE: Wednesday, September 13, 2023    TIME: 2:00 PM ET    LOCATION: 2322 Rayburn House Office Building    This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Noah Jackson at Noah.Jackson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Sean Kelly at Sean.Kelly@mail.house.gov .   

E&C Advances Policies to Beat China and Defend America’s Technology and Automotive Leadership Washington, D.C. — In a Full Committee markup today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced bipartisan solutions that will bolster America's national security by reducing our dependence on China and supporting the next age of American technological innovation. The Committee also advanced bills that will prevent the administration from nationalizing California’s attack on internal combustion engines and instead ensure that Americans will choose the cars they drive, not the Biden administration. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Reauthorization: “Our bill to reauthorize NTIA will help us beat China by providing NTIA the tools needed to use resources like spectrum more efficiently, streamline regulations, and advance connectivity across the United States.  “This will enhance internet and public safety services across the country and create more economic opportunities for millions of Americans." Chair Rodgers also spoke about how President Biden is handing the keys to America’s automotive future to China: “We must be honest with the American people about how forcing them to switch to electric vehicles plays right into China’s scheme to control our automotive future.  “Instead of forcing Americans to switch to EVs, lets need to get back to the true goals, which are reducing carbon emissions, improving fuel efficiency, and preserving Americans’ access to affordable transportation choices. “The legislative solutions today will ensure that we don’t hand our automotive or communications future to the Chinese Communist Party.” Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) said: “Our steadfast work will provide the agency with new tools and direction to carry out its 21st century mission in connecting unserved and underserved communities across America." Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee Chair Bill Johnson (R-OH) said: “People must be able to have the vehicles they choose and need to get the job done and provide for their families. Unfortunately, the Biden administration has issued regulation after regulation to force electric vehicles on the American people before either consumers or the grid are ready for it." “Luckily, Republicans have solutions to ensure that Americans can buy the cars they want at a price they can afford, now and into the future.” Legislative Vote Summary: H.R. 3385 , the Diaspora Link Act, led by Rep. Plaskett, was forwarded to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 41 to 0. H.R. 3369 , AI Accountability Act, led by Rep. Harder was forwarded to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 50 to 0. H.R. 4510 , the NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2023, led by Rep. Latta was forwarded to the Full House, as amended by a roll call vote of 48 to 0. H.R. 1435 , the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, led by Rep. Joyce was forwarded to the Full House, without amendment, by a roll call vote of 26 to 22. H.R. 4468 , the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023, led by Rep. Walberg was forwarded to the Full House by a roll call vote of 27 to 23. H.R. 4469 , the No Fuel Credits for Batteries Act of 2023, led by Rep. Pence was forwarded to the Full House by a roll call vote of 26 to 22.

Washington, D.C. —  House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s  Full Committee markup  of six bills. Excerpts and highlights below: REAUTHORIZING THE NTIA “For decades, America has led the world in technologies that have transformed people’s lives and raised their standard of living from state-of-the-art communications networks, to cutting edge automotive technologies. “To win the future, we must continue to lead. “Right now, China is our number one national security, economic, and technological threat. “They’re challenging the global influence of the U.S. in these key industries. “We must confront these challenges by promoting American innovation and entrepreneurship. “Our bill to reauthorize NTIA will help us beat China by providing NTIA the tools needed to use resources like spectrum more efficiently, streamline regulations, and advance connectivity across the United States. “This will enhance internet and public safety services across the country and create more economic opportunities for millions of Americans. “The bill promotes broadband deployment by strengthening agency coordination and secures our networks from foreign threats.” STOPPING CHINA’S SCHEME TO CONTROL AMERICA’S AUTOMOTIVE FUTURE “We also have several solutions before us that will ensure Americans continue to have the ability to choose the vehicles and fuels that best serve their needs. “This is a critical moment in history. “We need to be honest with the American people about how forcing them to switch to electric vehicles plays right into China’s scheme to control our automotive future. China already controls access to critical minerals necessary for EVs. “It controls 76 percent of global battery cell production capacity for electric vehicles, around 75 percent of all lithium-ion batteries, and the majority of processing and refining capacity for over half of the world’s lithium, cobalt, and graphite. “And last quarter, it became the largest exporter of new motor vehicles in the world, surpassing Japan. “Instead of forcing Americans to switch to EVs, let’s get back to the true goals, which are reducing carbon emissions, improving fuel efficiency, and preserving Americans’ access to affordable transportation choices. “The legislative solutions today will ensure we don’t hand our automotive or communications future to the Chinese Communist Party. “America, not China, must lead the way in cutting edge technologies. “We need to stay focused on securing America’s leadership in these sectors through innovation, entrepreneurship, and promoting a free, competitive market to lower costs for people. “That’s how we’ve led for decades and how we win the future.”

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) today announced a Full Committee markup on Thursday, July 27, 2023, to consider six pieces of legislation recently approved by the Communications and Technology Subcommittee and the Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee.  “America’s global leadership and ability to win the future depends on our capacity to harness the technologies that will shape our nation and the world in the coming decades. This is especially true for the communications and automotive industries. We must make certain that America, not China, is capturing the innovations in these industries, as well as developing and eventually deploying cutting edge technologies. I thank all our members who are leading on solutions to meet this goal and look forward to advancing them out of the full committee this week,”  said Chair Rodgers . WHAT: A Full Committee markup of six bills  DATE: Thursday, July 27, 2023   TIME: 10:00 AM ET   LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building   This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The markup will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning the bills being marked up, please contact Noah Jackson with the Subcommittee staff at Noah.Jackson@mail.house.gov . For press related questions, please contact Sean Kelly at Sean.Kelly@mail.house.gov .  Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee Legislation to be considered:  H.R. 1435 , The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act (Rep. Joyce)   H.R. 4468 , The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023 (Rep. Walberg)   H.R. 4469 , The No Fuel Credits for Batteries Act of 2023 (Rep. Pence)  Communications and Technology Subcommittee legislation to be considered:  H.R. 4510 , NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2023 (Rep. Latta)   H.R. 3385 , Diaspora Link Act (Rep. Plaskett)    H.R. 3369 , AI Accountability Act (Rep. Harder)  

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH), and Subcommittee Ranking Member Doris Matsui (D-CA), released a statement following the deadline for carriers to choose to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rip and replace program, which provides funds to American communications providers to remove equipment that poses a national security threat:  “We are extremely disappointed that the FCC’S rip and replace program has still not been fully funded by Congress. This program provides funding to American communications providers to remove suspect equipment like Huawei and ZTE from our communications infrastructure. The longer Congress waits to address the funding shortfall in this program, the more we jeopardize America’s national security by leaving our networks vulnerable to espionage by adversaries like China. We continue to work with our colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee and in House leadership to bring H.R. 3565, the Spectrum Auction Reauthorization Act to the floor, which fully funds this program. It’s critical that we find a path forward as soon as possible to finish securing our networks and strengthening our national defense.”  NOTE: On May 24, 2023, the Energy and Commerce Committee advanced H.R. 3565, the Spectrum Auction Reauthorization Act of 2023 out of committee and to the House floor by a bipartisan vote of 50-0. The bill would extend spectrum auction authority, make important changes to existing spectrum auction processes, and direct spectrum auction proceeds to fund critical programs. Additionally, it would promote national security and public safety by providing $3.08 billion for small communications providers to remove Huawei and ZTE from their networks, as well as authorize and fund Next Generation 9-1-1 technology. 

Washington, D.C. — In a subcommittee markup today , the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology advanced solutions to reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and ensure the agency is advancing American leadership in the telecommunications sector. Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) : “One of my top priorities as Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee is reauthorizing agencies within our jurisdiction. “This is an important part of our congressional oversight process and ensures we’re carrying out our responsibility, as representatives of the people, of holding agencies accountable, directing their actions, and providing the tools agencies need to carry out and stay true to their mission. “In NTIA’s case, Congress has not reauthorized the Administration since 1992. “A lot has changed in the last 31 years, both in the technology sector and at NTIA. “Today’s NTIA plays a critical role in everything from broadband deployment and federal spectrum management, to Internet governance and cybersecurity, issues not prevalent or even in existence when the agency was last reauthorized.” Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) : “Reauthorizing agencies within our jurisdiction is an important duty of our committee, and this is an opportune time to reauthorize NTIA, something we have not done since 1992. “Today, NTIA plays a significant role in closing the digital divide, managing our nations spectrum, and advocating United States telecommunications positions on the world stage. “I am proud to the lead the NTIA Reauthorization Act alongside the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee. “This comprehensive legislation would ensure NTIA has the tools it needs to carry out its mission in the 21st century. “Congress recently provided NTIA with $48.2 billion to address broadband deployment and digital equity and inclusion. “This reauthorization is one way to ensure that NTIA has the tools it needs to effectively manage these programs. “Today’s NTIA also plays a key role in our effort to maintain leadership in wireless communications.” Legislative Vote Summary: H.R. 4510 , NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2023, led by Reps. Bob Latta and Doris Matsui, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 3430 , Spectrum Relocation Enhancement Act , led by Reps. Doris Matsui and Randy Weber, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 3385 , Diaspora Link Act, led by Reps. Stacey Plaskett and Russ Fulcher, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by voice vote. H.R. 3369 , AI Accountability Act, led by Rep. Josh Harder, was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by voice vote.

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee markup to reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and ensure the agency is advancing American leadership. Excerpts and highlights below: REAUTHORIZING NTIA “Today, we are marking up legislation to reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, or NTIA. “I want to thank Subcommittee Chair Latta for leading on this bill. “One of my top priorities as Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee is reauthorizing agencies within our jurisdiction. “This is an important part of our congressional oversight process and ensures we’re carrying out our responsibility, as representatives of the people, of holding agencies accountable, directing their actions, and providing the tools agencies need to carry out and stay true to their mission. “In NTIA’s case, Congress has not reauthorized the Administration since 1992. “A lot has changed in the last 31 years, both in the technology sector and at NTIA. “Today’s NTIA plays a critical role in everything from broadband deployment and federal spectrum management, to Internet governance and cybersecurity, issues not prevalent or even in existence when the agency was last reauthorized. “NTIA’s budget reflects this change. In 1992, Congress authorized appropriation of $17.9 million. This year, Congress appropriated NTIA with $62 million.” ENSURING AMERICAN COMMUNICATIONS LEADERSHIP “There is no better time than now to reauthorize NTIA. “NTIA now plays a significant role in closing the digital divide, overseeing a number of programs related to broadband access. “This reauthorization would help ensure that NTIA has the right structure to manage these programs and coordinate with other agencies that maintain broadband programs. “Reauthorization also presents an opportunity to strengthen NTIA’s role as federal spectrum manager. “Spectrum disputes between agencies have become prevalent in recent years, highlighting the need to strengthen and clearly define NTIA’s role. “The bill before us does this by clarifying that NTIA is responsible for coordinating the views of the Executive Branch and presenting that to the FCC and by building more safeguards into the federal coordination procedures so that other agencies’ needs are appropriately accounted for. “NTIA also leads in addressing some of our top telecommunications challenges, including in cybersecurity and public safety. “This legislation establishes new offices related to both and provides clarity and transparency for the TEAM TELECOM process for national security reviews of foreign participation in the telecommunications sector.” NTIA’S LEADERSHIP “Finally, our legislation elevates the responsibility of NTIA within the executive branch by promoting the NTIA Administrator from an Assistant Secretary of Commerce to an Under Secretary of Commerce. “NTIA plays a much larger role today within the federal government as coordinator of federal broadband programs, federal spectrum manager, and representative of the United States in international telecommunications forums. “These are significant, government-wide responsibilities, and this elevation reflects that. “I would like to thank the members of the subcommittee for their work on these measures. “I look forward to discussing them and advancing them to the Full Committee.”