Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi, alongside Representative Jake Auchincloss and other bipartisan lawmakers, have urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to support a federal prize competition. This initiative aims to promote satellite technology that can provide internet access to citizens in authoritarian countries like China or those affected by war.

The lawmakers emphasized the importance of open forums for ideas and information, stating, "The value of open forums for ideas and information cannot be overstated: Authoritarian governments across the globe cut off internet access to maintain coercive power and undermine freedom. Democracy can prevail through civil discourse; it does not need propaganda or disinformation like authoritarianism does, but we must provide it with the oxygen to compete."

They further noted the benefits of prize competitions as outlined by the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Science and Technology Policy. "According to the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Science and Technology Policy, prize competitions benefit the federal government with specific, measurable outcomes," they stated. The competitions are seen as cost-effective measures that stimulate private-sector investment while maximizing taxpayer dollars' return. They also increase participation from diverse individuals, organizations, including smaller companies new to federal funding.

Additional signatories include Select Committee members Representatives Neal Dunn, Mikie Sherrill, and André Carson.