House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Communications & Technology Updates

Jul 22, 2026

C&T Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Protecting Communications Networks and Improving Connectivity

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a hearing titled Legislative Hearing on Protecting Communications Networks and Improving Connectivity.

“Today, we considered several bills that address important issues facing our nation’s communications ecosystem. These range from securing our networks from foreign threats and robocalls, to improving how we connect our rural constituents,” said Chairman Hudson. “As we continue to deploy and upgrade communications infrastructure nationwide, we need the most advanced technology to ensure they are efficient, resilient, and secure.”

Watch the full hearing here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing:

Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02): “Recent reports of a China-linked plot to cripple New York’s communications networks serve as a stark reminder that these threats are real and ongoing and show the lengths to which our adversaries will go to undermine our interests and threaten our homeland. Given those risks, any legislation effort to amend the covered list administered by the FCC warrants careful consideration by the Committee.”

Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05): “"When we talk about having 130 broadband programs across 15 different departments and agencies, the question always comes up: how many do we really need? We don't need that many. I know we don't.”

Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09): “Does the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act incentivize tracking down bad actors?” Mr. Rupy: I believe it does, Congressman. I think there are a lot of good things in the bill. Among other things, the task force is formed. I'm a big believer that good data informs good policy, and the task force strives to do that. On the traceback front, I think it is a great idea that we are moving that renewal process from one year to three. [Right now] all that is just a paperwork exercise for FCC Enforcement Bureau staff and the traceback consortium. Let's reduce the paperwork so they can focus on enforcement and traceback.”

Jul 22, 2026

Press Release

Chairman Hudson Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Hearing on Protecting Communications Networks and Improving Connectivity

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 Legislative Hearing on Protecting Communications Networks and Improving Connectivit_y._

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

"Good afternoon, and welcome to today's hearing. We are here to consider several bills that address important issues facing our nation's communications ecosystem. These range from securing our networks from foreign threats and robocalls, to improving how we connect our rural constituents.

"We all know the frustration of receiving unwanted robocalls. Americans received an estimated 4.3 billion robocalls last month alone. Although some of these calls are legal-calls that the recipient has consented to receiving, such as from a school or pharmacy-illegal robocalls continue to be a problem. In fact, fraud perpetuated against Americans by illegal robocalls cost an average of $25 billion annually, primarily affecting those who cannot afford such losses. Additionally, fraudulent robocalls make us distrustful of legitimate callers, causing us to ignore calls from unknown numbers and often miss important calls.

"Congress has taken steps to address this problem. In 2019, we enacted the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act. This law took important steps to reduce illegal robocalls by requiring providers to implement call authentication, increased fines for intentional violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, authorized traceback efforts, and established a federal interagency working group to combat illegal robocalls. The FCC has also taken important steps to reduce illegal robocalls, both in implementing the TRACED Act and by working to block these calls from reaching our networks in the first place.

"Unfortunately, however, more still needs to be done. Bad actors continue to develop new ways to enter our networks. And many of these culprits are based abroad, making them hard to track down. One of the bills we are considering today will improve our efforts to identify and catch these foreign bad actors and make it harder for their calls to enter our networks. These are meaningful steps.

"I want to make clear that I am well aware of the difficulties that Congress, and the Federal government faces when trying to address this problem. Fraudsters do not follow the law, and we must be mindful of imposing new requirements that will only burden legitimate callers while doing nothing to reduce the illegal calls that harm us.

"We are also considering legislation to improve our efforts to connect our unserved and underserved rural constituents. Closing the digital divide has long been a priority for Congress, but our efforts to accomplish this goal has created a web of overlapping and duplicative programs. In 2022, the Government Accountability Office found that the federal government runs over 130 broadband programs across 15 different agencies. This fragmented approach has led to overbuilding and waste, not to mention confusion caused by conflicting requirements and obligations. GAO has recommended a government-wide strategy to better coordinate and align these programs, and I am pleased we are considering legislation to do that.

"One helpful development in our efforts to deploy broadband is the FCC's broadband map. Although not perfect, this map has significantly improved our ability to identify who has broadband and who does not. We can improve this map, and today we are considering a bill that will help us identify agricultural areas so we can ensure farmers have the connectivity they need for things like precision agriculture and other modern technologies.

"I know full well the immense importance of connecting unserved Americans. I am a proud member of the bipartisan, bicameral Universal Service Fund Working Group, and I am continuing to work with the group on reforms to ensure the USF is sustainable for future generations. The USF is an important tool in our efforts to ensure universal connectivity, and I hope we can reach an agreement soon.

"As we continue to deploy and upgrade communications infrastructure nationwide, we need the most advanced technology to ensure they are efficient, resilient, and secure. To accomplish this, we can turn to our favorite buzzword: artificial intelligence (AI). At a time when threats to our networks are at an all-time high, AI is a crucial tool to fight fire with fire and ensure one of our most critical systems is protected. Although AI is already deployed throughout our networks in certain capacities, we can always benefit from a greater understanding of how it can be implemented to maximize security.

"We have a lot to talk about today. Thank you to our witnesses for being here. I look forward to the discussion.

"I now yield five minutes to my colleague, Ranking Member Matsui, for her opening statement."

Jul 21, 2026

Press Release

RESCHEDULED: Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson Announce Hearing on Protecting Communications Networks and Improving Connectivity

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 Legislative Hearing on Protecting Communications Networks and Improving Connectivity.

"Bad actors, whether adversarial nations or agents of chaos, often seek to exploit communications networks to carry out their objectives, so it is imperative that we in Congress do our part to secure our nation's communications networks and ensure that every American has access to the reliable connectivity that underpins the digital economy," said Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson. "This hearing will give Members the opportunity to examine legislation that aims to protect Americans from foreign threats, such as China, cut down on scammers and bad actors using illegal robocalls to target Americans, and expand access to the reliable broadband needed for the 21 st Century economy. We look forward to discussing and examining these bipartisan proposals as we work to keep families and businesses safe and connected."

Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled Legislative Hearing on Protecting Communications Networks and Improving Connectivity.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing to consider legislation to protect communications networks and improve connectivity.

DATE: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
TIME: 2:00 PM ET
LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

The hearing will focus on the following bills:

H.R. 9129, GUARD Act (Reps. Moolenaar and McClellan)
H.R. 6152, Foreign Robocall Elimination Act (Reps. McDowell and Morrison)
H.R. 1027, QUIET Act (Reps. Sorensen and Ciscomani)
H.R. 7294, AI for Secure Networks Act (Reps. Menendez and Pfluger)
H.R. 2805, PLAN for Broadband Act (Reps. Walberg and Peters)
H.R. 4950, Data BRIDGE Act (Reps. Houchin and Kelly (IL)

This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at energycommerce.house.gov. If you have any questions concerning the 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.

Jul 15, 2026

Press Release

Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson Announce Hearing on Protecting Communications Networks and Improving Connectivity

Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled Legislative Hearing on Protecting Communications Networks and Improving Connectivity.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing to consider legislation to protect communications networks and improve connectivity.

DATE: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
TIME: 2:00 PM ET
LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

The hearing will focus on the following bills:

H.R. 9129, GUARD Act (Reps. Moolenaar and McClellan)
H.R. 6152, Foreign Robocall Elimination Act (Reps. McDowell and Morrison)
H.R. 1027, QUIET Act (Reps. Sorensen and Ciscomani)
H.R. 7294, AI for Secure Networks Act (Reps. Menendez and Pfluger)
H.R. 2805, PLAN for Broadband Act (Reps. Walberg and Peters)
H.R. 4950, Data BRIDGE Act (Reps. Houchin and Kelly (IL)

Jun 23, 2026

Press Release

Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson Announce NTIA Oversight Hearing

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 Oversight of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

“From facilitating broadband deployment and prioritizing the best public safety technology to managing national spectrum resources, NTIA’s work is central to our goals of closing the digital divide and leading the world in technological innovation,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson. “This hearing will allow us to ensure the agency is focused on its mission and effectively carrying out its duties. We look forward to speaking with Administrator Roth and discussing how NTIA and Congress can work together on telecommunications policy that positions the United States to remain a global leader.”

Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled Oversight of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing to discuss the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) work to advance American communications leadership.

DATE: Tuesday, June 30, 2026

TIME: 10:00 AM ET

LOCATION: 2123 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 live streamed online at energycommerce.house.gov. If you have any questions concerning the 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.

Jun 4, 2026

Communications & Technology

Communications and Technology Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Capabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a hearing titled Where Are We?: Examining Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Capabilities in the United States.

“The Global Positioning System, known as GPS, has been the source of PNT for the United States for decades,” said Chairman Hudson. “Put simply, a catastrophic failure of GPS as a result of adversary spoofing or jamming would be devastating to our economy. The development and adoption of complementary PNT services is a bipartisan priority.”

Watch the full hearing here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing:

Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12): “I've heard from countless businesses and stakeholders about the need for a GPS redundant system, which is necessary for both safety and the most effective use of GPS technology. [...] We must ensure that the potential of these public safety initiatives is top of mind as we investigate policy changes. My first question is for Mr. Grossman. How can we make sure resilient and complementary PNT are integrated into autonomous systems?” Mr. Grossman: “It is critical when we're evaluating these complementary solutions that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each use case is going to have different requirements. [Some] particular technologies are focused for autonomous vehicles and transportation. And that's very exciting. But there are other complementary solutions that are going to be better suited for the military, others that might be better for agriculture.”

Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01): “This is obviously a very important subject matter that we need to be paying particular attention to for a number of different reasons. We all understand that positioning, navigation and timing is more than just a technical issue. It is an issue about national security, our financial systems, electrical grid, agriculture, ports, and emergency response, and it touches all facets of our society and of our lives. We have to make sure that jamming and spoofing, the cyber threats, the growing concerns of adversaries, and the capabilities of adversaries—like China and Russia—are under control.”

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09): “GPS is one of the great American success stories. It is the invisible infrastructure underneath our entire economy—the financial transactions that clear every morning, the air traffic control that keeps us safe, moves millions of packages every day, and the precision agriculture that helps farmers keep up with increasing demand. [...] Back in the Indiana State Senate, I worked to get broadband access to the unserved corners of the State of Indiana, and I'm still working on that today. As I've worked to connect rural Indiana, one thing that has become impossible to miss is that the same farmers we’re trying to get online are already completely dependent upon GPS, and right now that signal has no backup.”

Jun 4, 2026

Communications & Technology

Chairman Hudson Delivers Opening Statement at Communications and Technology Subcommittee Hearing on Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Capabilities

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 Where Are We?: Examining Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Capabilities in the United States.

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

“Good morning, and welcome to today’s subcommittee hearing on Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT).

“The Global Positioning System, known as GPS, has been the source of PNT for the United States for decades. Originally developed for military use, GPS was opened to civilian aviation by President Reagan following the 1983 shootdown of a Korean Air Lines passenger jet that had strayed into Soviet airspace. Subsequent Republican and Democrat presidential administrations further expanded access to GPS for civilian applications.

“Today, GPS is free for civilian use. Most Americans now think of the technology as the service behind their favorite navigation devices and apps. However, GPS has many more applications and has been widely integrated into multiple sectors of the economy. This includes communications and energy infrastructure, the financial sector for transaction authentication, and the transportation sector.

“GPS is even used to coordinate emergency response and dispatch first responders to incidents more quickly – something we’re working to implement nationwide. In natural disasters like Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, or wildfires in California, precious seconds can save lives.

“Our warfighters also continue to rely on GPS military and civilian signals. As the Representative for Fort Bragg, home of special operations and the airborne, I continue to hear from our military leaders about the need for more resilient PNT.

“The military relies on GPS for logistics like battlefield resupply and to synchronize operations. GPS’s military signal underpins navigation for military aircraft, vessels, vehicles, and unmanned systems, while also enabling the precise targeting capabilities on which modern military operations depend.

“While national security experts have long warned us about the potential for jamming and spoofing, this is now very much a reality. Our adversaries frequently disrupt GPS in contested environments. For instance, just two weeks ago a Royal Air Force jet carrying the United Kingdom’s Defense Minister lost its GPS signal as a result of suspected Russian jamming. Space is also becoming more contested; Russia and China have been working to develop space-based weapons that threaten U.S. and ally satellite constellations and space-based services, including GPS.

“Disruptions to this critical technology put our service members at severe risk. And, given its broad adoption throughout our economy, a disruption to GPS also has the potential to halt critical services and commerce.

“Put simply, a catastrophic failure of GPS as a result of adversary spoofing or jamming would be devastating to our economy.

“The development and adoption of complementary PNT services is a bipartisan priority. President Trump has been laser-focused on this challenge. During his first term, President Trump issued an Executive Order to direct a comprehensive review of the use of PNT services across the federal government and critical infrastructure, understand vulnerabilities, and improve resilience.

“That Executive Order stood through the Biden Administration and remains in place. Work is ongoing between federal agencies in concert with the private sector to test PNT alternatives, including terrestrial-based systems. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Carr doubled down on this effort by issuing a Notice of Inquiry last March to explore the development of complimentary systems as backups to GPS.

“On today’s panel, we have a range of experts here to speak on the work that’s been done to date to improve GPS resiliency, as well as develop and deploy complementary PNT services that can serve as a backup to GPS. I look forward to also hearing about how this Committee can help support these efforts and after years of work, finally move the ball forward on complementary PNT.”

May 28, 2026

Communications & Technology

Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson Announce Hearing on Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Capabilities

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 Where Are We?: Examining Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Capabilities in the United States.

“The U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS) underlies critical technologies Americans use and rely on every day, but many people may not realize GPS applications extend far beyond the map apps on their phones,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson. “From national defense and critical infrastructure, such as banking and energy, to the daily routines of nearly every American, even a temporary GPS outage would drastically affect hundreds of millions of lives. We look forward to a conversation about how we can strengthen positioning, navigation, and timing services to maximize resiliency and reliability.”

Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled Where Are We?: Examining Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Capabilities in the United States.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Communications & Technology hearing on positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities.

DATE: Thursday, June 4, 2026

TIME: 10:15 AM ET

LOCATION: 2123 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 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.

Apr 22, 2026

Press Release

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.