Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Full Committee Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) wrote to their colleagues on the Appropriations Committee today requesting at least $750 million in Fiscal Year 2022 funding for critical network security initiatives authorized under the USA Telecommunications Act.
The USA Telecommunications Act of 2020, which became law earlier this year, established the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The program supports the promotion and deployment of Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) 5G networks throughout the United States - widely known to be a highly secure communications network.
“This technology will be key for creating a safer and more secure communications system for hundreds of millions of people across the country who rely on the internet every day," the four bipartisan lawmakers wrote. “As the size, scale, and frequency of cyber incidents continue to increase, so too should our commitment to the goal of ensuring American communications networks are as safe and secure as possible."
The letter was sent to Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Full Committee Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX), Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Matt Cartwright (D-PA), and Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Ranking Member Robert B. Aderholt (R-AL).
