Washington, D.C. - House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered opening remarks at today’s Communication and Technology Subcommittee markup on seven bipartisan bills that promote innovation and strengthen communication networks.
Excerpts and highlights from her remarks:
RICH BIPARTISAN HISTORY
“Today we will be considering seven bills that have bipartisan support.
“While we still have more work to do before this legislation is considered by the full Committee, I want to thank my colleagues on this subcommittee for working diligently with us over the past several months to prepare for today.
“This committee has a rich history of bipartisanship on the most pressing issues before us as a nation, especially in the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
“Today we are reviewing many communications solutions that range from providing new tools to improve spectrum management, to making it easier for victims of domestic violence, to separate from a cellular service contract that is shared with their abuser."
SECURITY AND SPENDING
“We are providing funds to small communications carriers to secure their networks.
“We must provide American data and information and that starts by making sure our networks are secure, and we are doing all of this without spending a dime of taxpayer money.
“We’re responsible in our targeted resources by using proceeds from the spectrum auction to pay for these programs."
SPECTRUM
“Finally, we are considering legislation to extend the FCC’s spectrum auction authority by 18 months so they can continue to their work to make spectrum resources available without interruption.
“As the demand for technology grows, additional spectrum resources are necessary to promote innovation so people can access technologies that improve their lives like faster internet, better cell service, and smart devices.
“I encourage my colleagues to continue their work and include this legislation along with Mr. Guthrie’s SMART Act with the Spectrum Innovation Act at full committee."
