House Communications Subcommittee Conducts Oversight of NTIA

The House Communications Subcommittee held a hearing continuing its oversight role of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) spoke to the need to maintain America’s status as a global leader in wireless technologies. In his opening remarks, full Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) stressed the importance of accurate broadband mapping in efforts to expand broadband internet access. David Redl, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, NTIA, U.S. Department of Commerce, provided an update on how NTIA will facilitate a successful nationwide transition to Next-Generation 9-1-1 services.

Democratic Reps took the opportunity of the oversight hearing to take aim at the FCC. House Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) said, "[T]he FCC has thrust itself into the national spotlight by dramatically walking away from its statutory obligations to serve the American people. It’s more than just [the agency's] assault on net neutrality. It’s privacy, cybersecurity, public safety — the list goes on and on. The Trump FCC is simply refusing to do its job." That was echoed by Communications Subcommittee Ranking Member Mike Doyle (D-PA), who said the FCC had "drastically walked away" from its role of protecting networks from cyber attacks.