5G Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Promote America's Wireless Leadership

Statement

U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI), along with fellow Co-Chairs of the Congressional 5G Caucus, Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Susan Brooks (R-IN), yesterday introduced the bipartisan Promoting U.S. Wireless Leadership Act of 2019 (H.R. 4500) to promote U.S. competitiveness in international wireless standards-setting bodies. This bill reflects the need for a unified approach to pushing back against international competitors like Russia and China to protect U.S. national security, global competitiveness, and cost-effectiveness of wireless communications.

"As U.S. companies send their best and brightest to industry-led standards setting bodies, we must ensure this battleground for the future of wireless technology remains open, transparent, and merit-based," said Rep. Walberg. "By providing technical expertise on spectrum, engineering, software, and other technical matters, the U.S. can continue to lead the world in wireless innovation and keep high-paying jobs here in the United States."

"The policy choices being made right now will have lasting implications for 5G technology development around the world," said Rep. Dingell. "It's vital the United States have a strong voice in these decisions so we can continue to lead in an increasingly competitive market."

"As our world becomes even more interconnected through new technologies and innovations than it already is today, it is critically important to ensure the next generation of wireless technologies are secured against malicious actors and developed in a way that supports our American values," stated Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (IN-05). "The U.S. Department of Commerce is best suited to support the development of open and fair international 5G standards for the future of wireless technology and will ensure the U.S. remains the leader of 5G. The U.S. must remain at the forefront in this conversation by bringing the appropriate industry and government experts to the table."

The Energy and Commerce Committee has long conducted important oversight of telecommunications, national security, and global competitiveness within the wireless industry. While the private sector will continue to lead the way, we must ensure the United States government has their back.