Agenda

What's on the agenda for policymakers.

Sponsor: 

Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee

House Commerce Committee

Date: 
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 10:00

A hearing to discuss legislative solutions that will protect kids online and ensure Americans’ data privacy rights.



The Future of Middle-Mile Fiber

In 25 years, our broadband networks will likely be carrying at 12 to 15 times the volume of data that they carry today, and probably more. Unfortunately, there is no easy path to upgrade middle-mile networks to keep up with the expected future demand. Faster lasers can’t alone satisfy the future demand for increased middle-mile bandwidth.

Discharge Petition to Give ACP Extension Act a Vote in the House

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has been a transformative force, empowering nearly 23 million American households in rural and urban communities with reliable, high-speed, and affordable broadband access. To continue this progress, I implore my colleagues to join me by signing the discharge petition. This will ensure the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act receives the vote it deserves on the floor of the House of Representatives. We cannot turn our back on the progress made in closing the digital divide.

Reps Bilirakis, Castor, Houchin, and Schrier Introduce Comprehensive Bill to Better Protect Kids Online

House Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee Chairman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), together with Representatives Kathy Castor (D-FL), Erin Houchin (R-IN), and Kim Schrier (D-WA) have introduced the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). This comprehensive legislation will provide kids and parents with the safeguards, tools, and transparency they need to better protect against serious online threats to children’s health and emotional wellbeing.

Reps Walberg, Castor Introduce Comprehensive Children's Privacy Bill Image

Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0). The bipartisan, bicameral COPPA 2.0 modernizes and strengthens the only online privacy law for children, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

ACA Connects asks FCC to pump the brakes on plan to ban 'bulk billing' in MDUs

Officials with ACA Connects and EducationSuperHighway spelled out a series of concerns they have about a proposal from FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel that aims to ban "bulk billing" for broadband in apartments, condos and other types of multiple-dwelling units (MDUs). Bulk billing agreements typically enable MDUs to negotiate discounted rates for broadband services

Department of Defense outlines spectrum moonshot endeavor during eclipse

They’re calling it a moonshot—akin to sending men to the moon in the 1960s.

FCC Announces the Maximum Partial Reimbursement Amounts for May 2024 ACP Benefits

The Federal Communications Commission announced the maximum partial reimbursement amounts for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefits passed through to ACP households by providers who elect to claim reimbursement for the May 2024 service month. Absent additional funding from Congress, April 2024 will be the last month for which ACP households can receive the full ACP benefit. The maximum reimbursement amounts for May 2024 will be $14 for Non-Tribal Service, $35 for Tribal Lands Sevice, and $47 for the ACP Connected Device Benefit.

FCC Seeks to Stop Abusers from Misusing Connected Cars

The Federal Communications Commission will launch a formal proceeding to examine how it can best help stop abusers from using connectivity tools in vehicles to harass and intimidate their partners. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will examine how the agency can use existing law to ensure car manufacturers and wireless service providers are taking steps to assist abuse victims and seek comment on additional steps the Commission can take to safeguard domestic violence survivors.

FCC to Consider Initial Spectrum Rules for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel shared with her colleagues proposed rules to enable wireless communications for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) use in the 5 GHz band.