Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Richard Hudson, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, announced on Mar. 19 a hearing titled "The Telecommunications Act of 1996: 30 Years Later." The hearing is scheduled for March 26 at 10:15 a.m. Eastern Time in Room 2123 of the Rayburn House Office Building.
The review comes as lawmakers assess how well the landmark law has kept pace with changes in the communications marketplace over three decades. The hearing aims to evaluate which aspects of the law have succeeded or fallen short and to consider updates that could foster innovation, competition, and investment in modern networks.
"The communications marketplace has transformed dramatically in the thirty years since the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was signed into law," said Guthrie and Hudson. "This hearing will examine what parts of the law have worked, what have not, and how Congress can build on those lessons to modernize our laws to promote innovation, strengthen competition, and drive investment in modern communications networks."
The House Energy and Commerce Committee oversees legislation related to energy, health care, environmental protection, telecommunications, and consumer issues according to its official website. The committee has played a role in shaping policy areas such as energy innovation, broadband deployment, and pharmaceutical pricing according to its official website.
As one of the oldest standing committees in the U.S. House of Representatives according to its official website, the committee traces its origins back to 1795 when it was established as the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures according to its official website.
The upcoming hearing will be open to both the public and press. It will also be livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov.
