Latta: "We are able to accomplish much when we work together, and legislation goes through regular committee process"

Press Release

Communications and Technology Subcommittee Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH) delivered remarks at today's subcommittee markup on increasing access to spectrum resources to improve people's lives and their access to critical technologies.

Excerpts and highlights from his remarks:

IMPROVING SPECTRUM ACCESS & INFRASTRUCTURE

"Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding today's markup and for working with us to ensure the bills on today's markup receive bipartisan support.

"The bills we are considering today range from investing in infrastructure to improving efficiency in the management of our nation's airwaves, all without frivolous spending. This is what we accomplish when we work together, and legislation goes through the committee process.

"I would like to thank my colleagues, Mr. Carter and Mr. Guthrie, for leading the charge to improve the management of our nation's spectrum resources.

"Mr. Carter's legislation, the ITS Codification Act, would strengthen the role of NTIA's Institute of Telecommunication Sciences.

"This premier laboratory in Boulder, Colorado will continue to play an important role in transforming our wireless future as new innovations continue to demand more access to spectrum resources.

"Mr. Guthrie's SMART Spectrum Act would also take an important step forward in bolstering NTIA's management of Federal agencies' spectrum usage. This legislation builds on Committee action to provide NTIA with additional tools to make more spectrum available for commercial purposes, and coordinate the spectrum needs of Federal agencies across the government."

SPECTRUM INNOVATION ACT

"I would also like to thank Chairman Doyle for working with me to make improvements to our Spectrum Innovation Act, as well as to uphold our commitment to providing resources for small carriers to remove Huawei and other untrusted equipment from our communications networks.

"Finally, I would like to thank Chairman Pallone and the rest of my colleagues for working with us on the other pieces of legislation we are considering today.

"The amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R.4275, the Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Act makes significant changes to provide Congress with information on the enrollment of these programs, which will help inform our ongoing review of the universal service programs.

"I look forward to continuing to work together to finalize this legislation for full committee markup."

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