House Commerce Committee Tees Up Telecommunications Bills
Friday, March 7, 2025
Weekly Digest
House Commerce Committee Tees Up Telecommunications Bills
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Round-Up for the Week of March 3-7, 2025
On March 4, the House of Representatives' Commerce Committee, chaired by Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), held a full committee markup to consider twelve bills in total––the committee's first legislative markup of the 119th Congress.
"This Committee has a rich, bipartisan history, which we will continue in that spirit with the bills we are considering today," said Rep Guthrie in his opening remarks. "Each of these bipartisan pieces of legislation was passed by the House last Congress, and I am proud that we will be moving these forward again today."
Here, we look at the seven communications-related bills that are now teed up for a vote from the full House.
1. Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act
By voice vote, the Commerce Committee approved the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act (H.R. 1618), cosponsored by Reps Bob Latta (R-OH) and Robin Kelly (D-IL). The legislation would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review its rules regarding certain satellite services to determine if changes to the rules would promote precision agriculture. If the FCC determines that there are rule changes that could promote precision agriculture, the FCC must develop recommendations and submit them to Congress within 15 months after enactment.
"Farmers in Ohio's Fifth District know that in order to continue producing high-yield crops, they need access to 21st Century technology," said Rep Latta upon reintroducing the bill in February. "That's why I'm reintroducing my Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act, which will increase productivity and enhance the farming operations of those in Ohio and across America."
2. Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) Codification Act
The ITS Codification Act (H.R. 1455), sponsored by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), would codify statutory authority for the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, the research and engineering laboratory that supports the mission of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to manage radio frequency spectrum. The bill would also direct NTIA, acting through the head of ITS, to establish an initiative to support the development of emergency communication and tracking technologies for use in locating trapped individuals in confined spaces. The bill was approved by the Commerce Committee on a voice vote.
"In emergency situations, like earthquakes and building collapses, people often get stuck in areas with little or no cell phone service, making it difficult to be located or reached by rescuers,” said Rep. Pettersen about the bill. “This bipartisan bill will help us study, develop, and improve emergency communications for these exact scenarios. Importantly it will also provide the Colorado-based Institute for Telecommunication Sciences with the foundation needed to continue their critical work and test emerging technologies to keep our communities safe and our nation on the cutting edge of innovation.”
3. NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act
Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) introduced the NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act (H.R. 1766), legislation that would rename the existing NTIA Office of Policy Analysis and Development to the “Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity” and codify the existing activities of the Office. The bill would codify the responsibilities of the NTIA in administering an information-sharing program established in the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, and assign the Office additional functions to coordinate and develop policy related to the cybersecurity of communications networks. The committee approved the bill by voice vote.
4. Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025
On March 3, Rep. Thomas Kean (R-NJ)—with cosponsors Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Tim Walberg (R-MI), and Yvette Clarke (D-NY)—introduced the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025 (H.R. 1765). Approved by the Committee by a voice vote, the bill would require NTIA to encourage participation by trusted companies and trusted, relevant stakeholders in bodies that set standards for 5G and future-generation wireless networks. The bill would also direct NTIA to offer technical assistance to such trusted companies and relevant stakeholders.
“As the global competition for 5G and wireless technology continues, the United States must lead — not follow,” said Congressman Kean. “This bill ensures American-led innovation will win the race against our adversaries in setting the standards that will define the future of wireless communications.”
"On both sides of the aisle, the urgency of securing American leadership in wireless technology is clear. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to support America’s most indispensable innovators by removing cumbersome barriers to entry and establishing a unified approach to international standards-setting. The commonsense reforms within this legislation will empower the companies and individuals pushing our nation forward and ensure American competitiveness for years to come, and I look forward to seeing them signed into law," said Rep Yvette D. Clarke.
5. Trans-Atlantic Submarine Fiber Optic Cable
Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands) and Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID) are taking the lead on H.R. 1737, a bill that would direct NTIA to submit a report to Congress assessing the value, cost, and feasibility of developing a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria to enhance the national security of the United States. The committee approved the vote by voice vote.
“I am pleased to reintroduce legislation known as the ‘DiasporaLink Act’ with my colleague, Congressman Fulcher," said Rep Plaskett. "This bill represents an opportunity to establish high-speed Internet connection to Africa and throughout the Caribbean from American soil, which will enhance America’s national security data and communication interests in the regions. In the legislation, this Trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable will intersect in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The DiasporaLink Act is envisioned as both a national security instrument and a digital commerce expressway to boost America’s global, political, economic, and military advantages and influences."
6. Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act
The committee approved by voice vote H.R. 1709, the Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act. This legislation would require NTIA to examine and report on the cybersecurity of mobile service networks and the vulnerability of such networks and mobile devices to cyberattacks and surveillance conducted by adversaries. Sponsors are Reps. Greg Landsman (D-OH) and Kat Cammack (R-FL).
"With sophisticated mobile networks and high traffic occurring every day, it's critical that policymakers understand the landscape of these technologies and their vulnerabilities. We’re working to protect the privacy, data, and security of the American people while ensuring continued innovation for the wireless networks we rely on for our lives and businesses," Rep. Cammack said about this bill when introduced in 2023.
7. Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act
The Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act (H.R. 1721) would require the Department of Commerce to study and report on products that are in high demand across the critical infrastructure sectors, including the communications sector. Critical infrastructure sectors are those whose assets, systems, and networks are vital to national security, the economy, public health or safety, or any combination of those matters. The study must (1) identify the products in high demand across those sectors that are being imported due to manufacturing, material, or supply chain constraints; and (2) analyze the costs, benefits, and feasibility of manufacturing those products in the United States. The legislation was originally introduced in the 118th Congress. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Kim Schrier (D-WA) championed the bill that was approved on voice vote.
“As we consider where the things we purchase come from, onshore some manufacturing, and nearshore other manufacturing, we need a clear understanding of what products can and should be manufactured in the United States," said Rep Shrier. "We cannot remain dependent on just a handful of other countries for critical parts and products. I'm proud to introduce this commonsense, bipartisan bill that will allow us to make evidence-based, thoughtful decisions about the role domestic manufacturing will play in the years ahead."
What's Next?
Since these bills faced little opposition in the committee, they are likely to be teed up for a vote on the House floor in the near future. Then they will fight for attention in the U.S. Senate.
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ICYMI from Benton
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Upcoming Events
Mar 11––The 2025 INCOMPAS Policy Summit (INCOMPAS)
Mar 12––Senate Commerce Committee Executive Session (US Senate)
Mar 12––The Future of the USF: Opportunities and Challenges (Public Knowledge)
Mar 27––March 2025 Open Federal Communications Commission Meeting (FCC)
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