House of Representatives

Reps Cammack and Costa Urge USDA to Prioritize ReConnect Funding in Rural and Underserved Communities

Reps Kat Cammack (R-FL) and Jim Costa (D-CA) led a letter with their colleagues to urge US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack to ensure the ReConnect Pilot Program serves rural America and the underserved communities that need it most.

House Democrats Outline Priorities on Implementation of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Broadband Investments

Seventeen Democratic members of the House Commerce Committee’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee wrote to Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), outlining their recommendations and priorities as the agency implements the broadband programs in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Reps. Long and Kustoff Introduce Internet Exchange Act

Reps Billy Long (R-MO-7) and David Kustoff (R-TN-8) introduced H.R. 7112, the Internet Exchange (IX) Act. The bill aims to strengthen Internet access in rural and other underserved areas by promoting more Internet Exchanges across the country. IXs are one of the building blocks around which the Internet is built. They are the physical locations where networks come together, and where content providers place content closer to end users to increase the speed and efficiency of networks.

Reps Matsui and Guthrie Urge FCC to Update Satellite Rules

Given rapid advancements in the American space sector, we appreciate the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) raising questions about how to update its satellite rules to ensure they keep pace with innovation. With recent efforts by Congress and the FCC’s notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), we have an opportunity to continue American leadership in a competitive global satellite marketplace.

Reviewing Federal Use of 7GHz Band Spctrum

Rep Doris Matsui (D-CA) urged Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson to prioritize the important task of reviewing current federal assignments and quantification of spectrum usage within the 7125-8400 MHz (7GHz) band. A National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) review will be crucial to determining how much of the band could accommodate commercial use. To ensure the United States remains the global pacesetter in wireless communications technology, a reliable pipeline of spectrum is needed.