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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, announced an Energy Subcommittee Markup of 13 bills.  WHAT: Energy Subcommittee Markup of 13 Bills DATE: Thursday, June 5, 2025 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 Calvin Huggins with the Committee staff at  Calvin.Huggins1@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Ben Mullany at Ben.Mullany@mail.house.gov . Items to be considered: ·      H.R. 3616 , Reliable Power Act (Rep. Balderson) ·      H.R. 1047 , Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power (GRID Power) Act (Rep. Balderson) ·      H.R. 3632 , Power Plant Reliability Act of 2025 (Rep. Griffith) ·      H.R. 3638 , Electric Supply Chain Act (Rep. Latta) ·      H.R. 3157 , State Energy Accountability Act (Rep. Langworthy) ·      H.R. 3628 , State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act (Rep. Evans) ·      H.R. 3657 , Hydropower Relicensing Transparency Act (Rep. Schrier) ·      H.R. 3015 , National Coal Council Reestablishment Act (Rep. Rulli) ·      H.R. 3617 , Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act (Rep. James) ·      H.R. 3109 , Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act (Rep. Latta) ·      H.R. 3062 , Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act (Rep. Fedorchak)  ·      H.R. 1949 , Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025 (Rep. Pfluger)   ·      H.R. 3668 , Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act (Rep. Hudson)  ###

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) today announced a Full Committee markup. The Committee will consider legislation from the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security; Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials; Health; and Communications and Technology subcommittees.  Chair Rodgers released the following statements:  On the Energy and Environment bills:  “The Energy and Commerce Committee has a rich history of enacting solutions that improve people’s livelihoods and freedom, all while maintaining America’s global energy and environmental leadership. We look forward to building on this legacy with solutions that modernize our pipeline infrastructure, enhance air quality standards and public health, and ensure Americans are free to choose the home appliances that work best for their lives.”  On the Health bills: “Americans are counting on us to deliver on bipartisan solutions that will help improve their health and wellbeing. We’re proud of the hard work that Members both on and off the Energy and Commerce Committee have done to bring forth these proposals to support patients and caregivers across America.”  On the Communications and Technology bills:  “In order to win the future, it is vital that our communications networks are secure. Continuing to rely on technology sourced from foreign adversaries jeopardizes people’s homes, schools, hospitals, our financial system, and the military. That is why Energy and Commerce Republicans are leading on solutions to remove dangerous equipment from our communications infrastructure and help cement America's technological and economic leadership for generations to come.”   WHAT: A Full Committee Markup of 28 bills.  DATE: Wednesday, March 20, 2024   TIME: 10:00 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building   Legislation to be considered :  H.R. 7655 , Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act of 2024 (Rep. Duncan)  H.R. 7673 , Liberty in Laundry Act (Rep. Ogles)  H.R. 7645 , Clothes Dryers Reliability Act (Rep. Ezell)   H.R. 7637 , Refrigerator Freedom Act (Rep. Miller-Meeks)   H.R. 7626 , Affordable Air Conditioning Act (Rep. Crenshaw)   H.R. 7700 , Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards (SUDS) Act (Rep. Langworthy) H.R. 7650 , Air Quality Standards Implementation Act of 2024 (Rep. Carter) H.R. 619 , NAPA Reauthorization Act (Rep. Tonko) H.R. 620 , Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (Rep. C. Smith)  H.R. 7218 , Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act of 2024 (Rep. Guthrie)  H.R. 4581 , Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2024 (Rep. Hinson)    H.R. 2706 , Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act (Rep. Cammack)   H.R. 4646 , SIREN Reauthorization Act (Rep. D. Joyce)  H.R. 6160 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a lifespan respite care program (Rep. Molinaro)  H.R. 6960 , Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Rep. Carter)    H.R. 7153 , Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act (Rep. Wild)  H.R. 7251 , Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Rep. Chavez-DeRemer)  H.R. 7224 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program (Rep. Cohen)  H.R. 7208 , Dennis John Beningo Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Rep. Pascrell)   H.R. 6829 , Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, and Research, and AED Training in the Schools (HEARTS) Act of 2024 (Rep. Pallone)    H.R. 7189 , Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Rep. Bilirakis)  H.R. 7406 , DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024 (Rep. McMorris Rodgers)  H.R. 3916 , SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2024 (Rep. Morelle)    H.R. 5074 , Kidney PATIENT Act (Rep. Carter)  H.R. 2864 , Countering CCP Drones Act (Rep. Stefanik)  H.R. 820 , Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act (Rep. Stefanik)  H.R. 1513 , Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhancing (FUTURE) Networks Act (Rep. Matsui)  H.R. 7589 , Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security (ROUTERS) Act (Rep. Latta)  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 Kaitlyn Peterson with the Committee staff at Kaitlyn.Peterson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Sean Kelly at Sean.Kelly@mail.house.gov and Christopher Krepich at Christopher.Krepich@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. —  Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) 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 THE NTIA “We will be considering four pieces of legislation to reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and provide the agency with new tools and direction to carry out its mission. “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.” USING SPECTRUM TO CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE “As federal spectrum manager, NTIA works with other federal agencies to ensure their spectrum interests are protected while also working to identify spectrum that can be made available for commercial use. “My legislation would codify several key offices within the NTIA, including the Office of Spectrum Management, the Office of Public Safety Communications, the Office of International Affairs, the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, and reinforces NTIA’s role in cybersecurity policy by codifying and renaming the Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity. “The bill also takes the long-needed action of elevating the head of NTIA from an Assistant Secretary to Under Secretary position. “This promotion would underscore, in both the eyes of the public and other federal agencies, the role that NTIA plays in connecting all Americans. “Finally, this legislation includes several measures led by my colleagues that direct the NTIA to draft a National Strategy to close the digital divide, conduct a cybersecurity literacy campaign, provide technical assistance for OpenRAN networks, and improve the coordination of federal spectrum efforts, and more. I want to thank my colleagues on this subcommittee for their leadership on these initiatives.” ADVANCING MORE BILLS TO BOOST AMERICAN LEADERSHIP “We will also consider several additional pieces of legislation today. “The Spectrum Relocation Enhancement Act, introduced by the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, would make changes to what costs are eligible for reimbursement from the Spectrum Relocation Fund, or SRF, how federal agencies receive these payments, and increase NTIA’s oversight over SRF activities. “In addition to spectrum policy, we will consider the Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act, introduced by the gentleman from California’s 9th District, which would direct NTIA to conduct a study on accountability measures for AI systems used by communications networks. “Finally, we will consider the Diaspora Link Act, introduced by the Delegate from the U.S. Virgin Islands. “This legislation would direct NTIA to submit a report to Congress assessing the feasibility of developing a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. “I would like to thank the members of the subcommittee for their work on these measures, and I am pleased that we are able to move forward on this bipartisan legislation today. “I look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to refine these measures as we move to a full committee markup.”

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) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) today announced a subcommittee markup of bills to reauthorize NTIA and ensure the agency is advancing American leadership.  Chairs Rodgers and Latta released the following statement:   “The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) plays a key role in closing the digital divide and strengthening American leadership in next-generation communications technology. It is responsible for developing a national spectrum strategy, seeking input on AI, privacy, and cybersecurity issues, and more recently, running the largest broadband grant program in our nation’s history. NTIA’s duties have changed since it was last reauthorized more than 30 years ago. It’s Congress’s responsibility to re-evaluate these duties and authorities and make sure the agency has the tools and congressional guidance needed to carry them out. We look forward to considering several bipartisan solutions to reauthorize NTIA and help ensure that the agency is adapting to meet the needs of a dynamic communications sector.”  WHAT: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology markup.    DATE: July 12, 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 hearing, please contact Noah Jackson with the Committee staff at Noah.Jackson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Sean Kelly at Sean.Kelly@mail.house.gov .   Legislation to be considered:   H.R. 4510 , NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2023 (Reps. Latta and Matsui)  H.R. 3430 , Spectrum Relocation Enhancement Act (Reps. Matsui and Weber)  H.R. 3385 , Diaspora Link Act (Reps. Plaskett and Fulcher)   H.R. 3369 , AI Accountability Act (Rep. Harder)  H.R. 4511 , Public Safety Communications Act (Rep. Cammack)  H.R. 4506 , TEAM TELECOM Act (Rep. Johnson)  H.R. 4512 , Digital Economy Cybersecurity Advisory Act (Rep. Pfluger)  H.R. 4505 , PLAN For Broadband Act (Reps. Walberg and Kuster)  H.R. 4513 , Commerce Spectrum Coordination Act of 2023 (Rep. Griffith)  H.R. 4504 , Novel, Advanced, Spectrum and Communications Technology Networks Promotion Act (Rep. Guthrie)  H.R. 3431 , Spectrum Coexistence Act (Rep. Matsui) 

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) today announced a subcommittee legislative hearing titled “Legislative Solutions to Bolster Preparedness and Response for All Hazards and Public Health Security Threats.” “As public health threats and hazards evolve, so must our efforts to prepare and respond—whether they be chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, a cyberattack, or another emerging infectious disease. We must take lessons learned from past experiences as well as advice from experts in emerging fields to secure the safety and wellbeing of the American people. We look forward to discussing solutions to prepare for the next generation of threats and hazards that we may face,” said Chairs Rodgers and Guthrie.   Subcommittee on Health hearing titled “Legislative Solutions to Bolster Preparedness and Response for All Hazards and Public Health Security Threats.”   WHAT: A subcommittee legislative hearing to discuss solutions for preparedness and response to public health security threats and hazards.  DATE : Tuesday, June 13, 2023   TIME : 10:30 AM EDT   LOCATION : 2322 Rayburn House Office Building   WITNESSES : Witnesses will be announced and are by invitation only.  LEGISLATION AND PROPOSALS UNDER CONSIDERATION :  H.R. __ , To reauthorize certain programs under the Public Health Service Act with respect to public health security and all-hazards preparedness and response, and for other purposes. (Rep. Richard Hudson)  H.R. __ , the Public Health Guidance Transparency and Accountability Act (Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers)  H.R. __ , the PHEMCE Advisory Committee Act (Rep. Richard Hudson)   H.R. __ , the PHE Congressional Review Act of 2023 (Reps. Greg Murphy and Brett Guthrie)  H.R. __ , the Improving Contract Transparency for the SNS Act (Rep. Morgan Griffith)   H.R. __ , the Improving Contract Transparency at BARDA Act (Rep. Morgan Griffith)   H.R. __ , the Biosecurity Infrastructure for Operational (BIO) Early Warning Act (Reps. Dan Crenshaw and Scott Peters)   H.R. 3813 , the CDC Leadership Accountability Act (Rep. Brett Guthrie)    H.R. 3631 , the State Strategic Stockpile Act of 2023 (Reps. Buddy Carter and Chrissy Houlahan)  H.R. 3577 , the Medical and Health Stockpile Accountability Act of 2023 (Reps. Richard Hudson and Josh Gottheimer)  H.R. 3837 , the Improving Public Health Preparedness Act (Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks)  H.R. 3832 , the Disease X Act of 2023 (Reps. Lori Trahan, Michael Burgess, Dan Crenshaw, and Susie Lee)  H.R. 3613 , the Doctors at the Ready Act (Reps. Kim Schrier and Bill Johnson)  H.R. 2416 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a military and civilian partnership for trauma readiness grant program. (Reps. Michael Burgess and Kathy Castor)  H.R. 3840 , the Ensuring Sufficient Supply of Testing Act (Reps. Neal Dunn and Debbie Dingell)  H.R. 3795 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to require the development of a diagnostic testing preparedness plan to be used during public health emergencies, and for other purposes. (Reps. Greg Pence, Kim Schrier, Larry Bucshon, and Andre Carson)  H.R. 3703 , the Helping Evaluate Appropriate Logistical Infrastructure for National Government (HEALING) Response Act of 2023 (Reps. Bob Latta and Robin Kelly)  H.R. 3742 , To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to evaluate the Federal Government’s collection and sharing of public health data to respond to public health emergencies. (Reps. Scott Peters and Brett Guthrie)   H.R. 3820 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to strike the requirement that the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate (Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr.)  H.R. 3794 , the Fast-Track Logistics for Acquiring Supplies in a Hurry (FLASH) Act of 2023 (Rep. Robert Garcia)  H.R. 3791 , the Improving Data Accessibility Through Advancements (DATA) in Public Health Act (Reps. Lauren Underwood, Ami Bera, Kathy Castor, and Rosa DeLauro)  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 Jolie Brochin with the Committee staff at Jolie.Brochin@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Christopher Krepich at Christopher.Krepich@mail.house.gov .

In a Full Committee markup today, the Energy and Commerce Committee passed solutions that will streamline broadband permitting to expedite deployment and reauthorize the Federal Communications Commission’s Spectrum Auction Authority. Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) on ensuring all Americans have access to reliable broadband services: ON CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE “High-speed broadband is an important part of our economy, yet many Americans, including in Eastern Washington, do not have access to reliable broadband. “In order to deploy broadband, providers need to go through burdensome permitting processes at the federal, state, and local level and the time to receive approval on a permit can range from several months to several years. “Our legislation would cut the red tape and ensure that this money can reach rural, unserved Americans quickly.” ON SPECTRUM “The Spectrum Auction Reauthorization Act would extend spectrum auction authority, make important changes to existing spectrum auction processes, and direct spectrum auction proceeds to fund critical programs. “This bill would promote our national security by providing $3.08 billion for our small communications providers to remove Huawei and ZTE from their networks. “It would authorize and fund Next Generation 9-1-1 technology to help our public safety officers and make sure Americans can reach emergency responders when they need it most. “Most importantly, this bill is a product of long bipartisan, bicameral negotiations, and I urge my colleagues to vote yes.” Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH): “The permitting bills we are considering today are an important step in ensuring that every American has access to high-speed broadband. “Since 2020, Congress has dedicated a record amount of money to support broadband deployment, culminating with Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. But spending is not enough. “The infrastructure law was a missed opportunity to enact meaningful permitting reform that is necessary to quickly build new networks. Today, we have the opportunity to fix that mistake.” Legislative Vote Summary: H.R. 3309 , the Standard Fees to Expedite Evaluation and Streamlining Act or the Standard FEES Act , sponsored by Reps. Gary Palmer and Patrick Ryan, was reported favorably, without amendment, to the House by a vote of 50-0. H.R. 3293 , the Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act , sponsored by Reps. Jeff Duncan and Angie Craig, was reported favorably, without amendment, to the House by a vote of 51-0. H.R. 3299 , the Deploying Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions and Legacy Applications Act or DIGITAL Applications Act , sponsored by Reps. Kat Cammack and Doris Matsui, was reported favorably, without amendment, to the House by a vote of 51-0. H.R. 3283 , the Facilitating the Deployment of Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions and Legacy Applications Act or Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act , sponsored by Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Debbie Dingell, was reported favorably, without amendment, to the House by a vote of 51-0. H.R. 3343 , the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act , sponsored by Reps. August Pfluger and Darren Soto, was reported favorably, without amendment, to the House by a vote of 51-0. H.R. 3565 , the Spectrum Auction Reauthorization Act of 2023 , sponsored by Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Frank Pallone, Jr., was reported favorably, as amended, to the House by a vote of 50-0. H.R. 3557 , the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023 , sponsored by Rep. Buddy Carter, Nathaniel Moran, and Neal Dunn, was reported favorably, as amended, to the House by a vote of 27-23.

Washington, D.C. —  Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s  Communications and Technology Subcommittee markup  of 28 bills to close the digital divide. Excerpts and highlights below: REMOVING BARRIERS TO BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT “Good morning and welcome to today’s subcommittee markup of 27 pieces of legislation to remove barriers to broadband deployment. “The bills we are considering today will reduce or eliminate unnecessary, restrictive permitting policies that threaten the success of the largest investment in broadband infrastructure this country has ever made. “I’ve said it before, and I will say it again: the infrastructure law was a missed opportunity to enact meaningful permitting reform. “Today, we have the opportunity to fix that mistake. “While I am happy that several of the bills before us are bipartisan, it is disheartening that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle were unwilling to work with us on the rest of the bills in this package. “Our proposals make meaningful, commonsense reforms to many permitting processes that are barriers to broadband deployment. “With the legislation we are considering today, we are acting to modernize broadband permitting in three important ways. “Number one: streamlining state and local permitting processes. “Number two: reducing permitting barriers on federal property. “Number three: removing cumbersome environmental and historical review processes for broadband deployment in certain circumstances.” WIRELESS LEADERSHIP ACT “Included in this markup is a bill I’m proud to lead, the WIRELESS Leadership Act. “This bill places reasonable limitations on state and local governments for what fees they may charge and will prevent them from delaying application approvals. “Specifically, it provides much needed transparency into the application process for broadband providers, which helps in the effort to invest in new or upgraded infrastructure. “These companies deserve a timely and predictable response to their applications. “It would also impose clear shot clocks that would provide reasonable expectations for both applicants and local governments. “Additionally, my legislation would address state and local governments that prohibit the deployment of broadband infrastructure or fail to act on an application. “Applications that a state or local government fails to grant or deny within the timeframe described in the bill would be ‘deemed granted.’” SPEEDING UP DEPLOYMENT OF BROADBAND TO RURAL AREAS “In addition to my legislation, we will forward on to the full committee 18 bills that will speed up deployment of broadband to rural areas and streamline the network upgrade process, allowing faster broadband speeds for more Americans. “Additionally, we are going to consider eight bills that take steps to streamline the cumbersome requirements to deploy broadband on federal lands. “These bills will fast track deployment, encourage network upgrades, and simplify the historical and environmental review processes. “The federal government has now dedicated billions of dollars to connect all Americans through a variety of programs. “We’ve heard it time and time again: reforming and simplifying broadband permitting is the only way we make this money go further and connect more Americans faster. “Over the last serval years, billions of dollars have been made available for state and local governments that can be used to increase staff to process applications, and we heard from witnesses that resources could be helpful. “The resources are there and should be dedicated to process permits to avoid these issues. “House Republicans aren’t the only ones preaching this message. “In fact, even the Biden administration’s Notice of Funding Opportunity for the BEAD Program requires states to identify actionable steps to ‘reduce costs and barriers to deployment, promote the use of existing infrastructure,’ including expediting permitting timelines and waiving fees. “The Biden-Harris Permitting Action Plan calls for many of the solutions we’ve put forward today. “The goal of closing the digital divide cannot be accomplished without improving the permitting process, particularly on federal lands. “Despite these recommendations, many of the bills being considered today do not have Democratic support, but we welcome your support as we move forward to full committee.” SPECTRUM “Lastly, will consider legislation to extend FCC’s spectrum auction authority. “It is vitally important that we continue to push for a long-term spectrum auction authority solution and this legislation is a step in that direction. “I would like to thank the members of the subcommittee for their work on these measures, and I look forward to advancing them to the full committee.”