Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered remarks in today’s full Committee markup of 5 bills on spectrum innovation, telecommunications security, next-generation 9-1-1 services, and other solutions.
Excerpts and highlights from her prepared remarks:
SPECTRUM INNOVATION ACT OF 2022
“First, I want to thank my colleagues, Mr. Doyle and Mr. Latta for their leadership on the Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022.
“By authorizing the auction of the lower 3 gigahertz band, this bill can direct funding to enhance the security of our communications networks, strengthen public safety resources, and unleash innovation.
“I’d like to give a special thanks to Mr. Hudson and Ms. Eshoo, who have worked for several years to create a program that upgrades our nation’s aging 9-1-1 infrastructure to the 21st century.
“In addition, this legislation provides funding to small communications carriers to secure their networks to protect American security and extends the FCC’s spectrum auction authority by 18 months, which will help them continue to their work to make spectrum resources available, specifically the 2.5 [two dot five] gigahertz band.
“We also include Mr. Guthrie’s SMART Spectrum Act, plays a key role in advancing the future of spectrum management and innovation.
“And the best part is that this won’t cost the taxpayer a cent.
“We will fund these important Congressional priorities through spectrum auction proceeds.”
ITS CODIFICATION ACT
“In addition, we will also be reviewing the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) Codification Act.
“I’d like to thank my colleague Mr. Buddy Carter for his leadership on this bill which codifies ITS and directs NTIA to support the development of emergency communication and tracking technologies.”
LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT ACT
“Finally, the Lymphedema Treatment Act is on today’s agenda which clarifies the scope of coverage and payment for lymphedema treatment items under the Medicare Program.
“I appreciate the leadership of Ms. Schakowsky and Mr. Carter on this legislation and look forward to working with them to review opportunities that ensure this bill’s new spending is offset before floor consideration.
“As we all know, this committee has a rich history of bipartisanship on some of the most pressing issues before us as a nation.
“I look forward to reviewing the bills being discussed today and continuing to carry out that bipartisan tradition.”
Original source can be found here.
