Full Committee Markup

Memorandum from Chairman Pallone to the Full Committee 

Bills to be considered include:

H.R. 7624, the Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022, which was introduced by Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) and 20 original bipartisan cosponsors. The bill would free-up new airwaves for wireless broadband use for the public, which means faster speeds and more responsive networks for consumers. In addition to up to 200 megahertz of spectrum auctioned for mobile broadband, this bill will help usher in new, innovative, and flexible spectrum uses.

H.R. 4275, the “Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Act of 2022,” which was introduced by Reps. Elaine Luria (D-VA) and John Katko (R-NY). The bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to report on enrollment in the Lifeline program. The Lifeline program is designed to reduce the cost of communications services for low-income consumers, and it allows those consumers to qualify for Lifeline assistance based on their receipt of other federal assistance programs (e.g., Medicaid or Federal Public Housing Assistance). Specifically, the FCC must submit reports on (1) enrollment in the Lifeline program by individuals who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program), and (2) the number of new broadband consumers projected to join the Lifeline program through federal assistance programs and the efficacy of various efforts to advertise the Lifeline program.

H.R. 4990, the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences Codification Act (or the ITS Codification Act), introduced by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), provides statutory authority for the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, which serves as the telecommunications research and engineering arm of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. In addition, the institute must establish an initiative to support the development of emergency communication and tracking technologies for use in locating trapped individuals in confined spaces where conventional radio communication is limited.

H.R. 7132, the Safe Connections Act of 2022, a bill to help survivors of domestic violence and other crimes cut ties with their abusers and separate from shared wireless service plans, which can be exploited to monitor, stalk, or control victims. Introduced by Reps. Annie Kuster (D-NH) and Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA).