Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1338, the Satellite And Telecommunications Streamlining Act. I believe I am joined in this opposition by the chair of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Mr. Lucas, and by the chair of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, Mr. Babin.

Mr. Speaker, with complete respect to the chair and the ranking member on the Energy and Commerce Committee, if this bill were focused solely on regulating electromagnetic spectrum use and improving the spectrum licensing process in the United States, then this would be a very different speech.

Improving the Federal Communications Commission's licensing of spectrum is important. However, H.R. 1338 goes way beyond the FCC's spectrum mission. It would provide unprecedented authority to the FCC to issue rules on ``space safety and orbital debris.'' This is a serious problem and cause for deep concern.

Drafting such rules would only detract and divert attention and resources from the FCC's primary mission of assessing applications for spectrum, actions the bill seeks to strengthen.

The FCC does not have sufficient expertise to issue appropriate rules on space safety or orbital debris.

Further, Federal agencies engage in interagency coordination on orbital debris mitigation based on science and technical research led by NASA.

Rather than follow a cohesive and coordinated approach within the Federal Government, H.R. 1338 would give authority to the FCC to do its own thing and to act unilaterally without participating in the interagency coordination that is necessary to prevent a fragmented government approach toward space activities. On something as important as space safety and orbital debris, this is a troubling thought.

The issue of space safety and orbital debris is a pressing concern. The administration and stakeholders through two administrations have been coalescing around the Department of Commerce as the lead agency on space safety and related orbital debris activities in coordination with other Federal Government agencies.

Congress has appropriated funding for the Department of Commerce to advance civil space situational awareness and related orbital debris activities. This is a critical time for the U.S. commercial space industry. Clear and predictable roles, responsibilities, and regulatory frameworks from the Federal Government are needed.

Having the FCC regulate space safety and orbital debris mitigation would duplicate efforts and cause confusion, including for our partners, where the U.S. has led internationally. Rather than supporting the continuing growth and leadership of the U.S. in commercial space, and the interagency process within the Department of Commerce, H.R. 1338 risks undermining it.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

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