Subcommittee Markup of 6 Bills

The committee will come to order. The chair recognizes himself for an opening statement. Good afternoon, and welcome to today's subcommittee mark-up of six bipartisan telecommunications bills. These important pieces of legislation will bolster American leadership in communications, secure our networks from threats, and improve how the federal government gets broadband to those who still need it. I'm so pleased to see the subcommittee move forward with these bills. Three of the bills we're considering deal with threats to our networks, many of which originate abroad. The GART Act addresses robotic technology developed by our adversaries that has the potential to collect data and spy on Americans and whose operations can be manipulated by these adversaries. Removing this threat, especially before this technology becomes more widespread, is critical to our national and our economic security. The Foreign Robo-Calls Elimination Act, as its name suggests, seeks to protect our networks from foreign robocalls. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the majority of the robocalls that annoy and defraud Americans originate abroad. This bill would create a task force to make recommendations on how to combat those calls, make important reforms to improve the traceback, the tracebacks' work, which identifies the origins of the robocalls and make it harder for untrusted carriers to bring traffic onto our networks. These are critical steps to ensuring these calls do not breach Americans. This bill strikes an important balance between taking action to reduce unwanted and illegal robocalls without adding unnecessary burdens on legitimate businesses trying to reach consumers. Next is the AI for Secure Networks Act. This bill would directly uh direct a study on the impact of artificial intelligence on the security of communications networks. Although we know AI can pose a threat to our networks, we can also leverage it to protect our networks. Understanding how we do can do this will ensure efficient, resilient, and secure networks moving forward. We're also make marking up two bills to address broadband deployment. The Plan for Broadband Act directs NTIA to develop a government-wide strategy for closing the digital divide. This bill implements a recommendation for a Government Accountability Office report that found the federal government has over a hundred and thirty broad band programs spread across fifteen agencies. A strategy will ensure these programs are better coordinated so we can efficiently close the digital divide. In addition, the Data Bridge Act would direct the FCC to include agricultural areas on its national broad bands map. This would ensure we know which agriculture areas still lack service and can better target resources to those areas. I want to thank my colleagues for their continued commitment to these issues and for their work developing these proposals. I look forward to moving these bills through committee and to the House floor. I now recognize the ranking member, the gentlelady from California, for her opening statement.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today's mark-up is about a simple goal, making sure Americans can rely on communications network that are reliable, secure, and delivering for them. The six bills before us address different parts of that challenge, from satellite licensing and broadband mapping, to cyber security and illegal robocalls. I'm glad we're moving forward on the satellite and telecommunication streamlining act. Satellites becoming a much more important part of how Americans connect particularly in rural and hard to reach communities. The FCC's licensing process needs to keep pace with that growth. This bill would make licensing more efficient by creating clearer guidelines and a more predictable process for satellite and earth station applications. At the same time, modernization can't mean speed for speed's sake. The FCC still needs the ability to apply expert judgment protect consumers and take a closer look when an application warrants it. We also need to make sure states can continue enforcing affordability and consumer protections for satellite broadband services. That's the balance we are trying to strike. The plan for Broadband Act and the Data Bridge Act addresses another challenge I've focused on for years. We cannot close the digital divide if we don't know where service is missing or if our federal programs are working at cross purposes. In the Sacramento region, I found we can live only twenty minutes from downtown and still struggle to get reliable broadband. And in the California Delta, connectivity is essential for farmers, monitoring irrigation, tracking weather, and getting crops to market. Better data in agriculture areas and stronger coordination across federal broadband programs. can help us direct resources where they are needed. But deployment alone is not enough. Affordability, devices, and digital skills still determine whether a connection truly improves someone's life. That is why I continue to lead the bipartisan Universal Service Fund working group with Chairman Hudson. And while any national strategy to close the digital divide needs to look beyond the infrastructure alone. We are also advancing bills that strengthen the security of the networks Americans rely upon every day. The AI for secure networks act would study how AI can help protect communications network from cyber threats, and that work is more urgent than ever. In recent weeks, several leading AI developers have reported cases where models being tested for cyber security went beyond what they were supposed to do and acs access real-world systems without permission. I've been demanding answers about how these incidents happen, why safeguards fail and what needs to change as AI systems need become more powerful. That also means making sure our critical infrastructure has access to strong cyber defense tools, while requiring safeguards, transparency and accountability. The Guard Act similarly recognizes that we need a fact-based process to detect and defend against national security risk in advanced robotics. Finally, the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act takes aim at a problem consumers know far too well. Illegal robocalls increasingly come from overseas scammers who abuse new technology, including AI, to trick people into handing over money for s- or sensitive information. Better coordination among agencies and stronger trace trace-back tools can help stop these calls before they reach consumers. These are practical bills in addressing real problems, and I appreciate the bipartisan work they brought us to today's mark-up. As we move forward, I will continue to focus on the same principle, connect every community, Don't. Don't. protect consumers, preserve strong public interest public interest safeguards, and make sure the technolog technologies we depend on are secure. I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen these bills and deliver results for the American people. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.

Thank you. And now I recognize the gentleman from Kentucky, the Chairman of the full committee, for his opening statement.

Uh, thank you. Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for uh for holding this mark-up in the recognition today. Uh, we are considering six bipartisan bills, including the Sat-streamlining Act, which I introduced a few months ago with ranking member Plone. While I look forward to moving this legislation to the full committee for consideration, where it continued to work continue our work to thoughtfully update this bill, and I appreciate the stakeholders who have provided constructive feedback. And we're also working with the FCC on some updates to reflect the space modernization item adopted in July. By advancing the Sat-streamlining Act, we can do our part to ensure the United States beco- continues to lead in the space economy and I want to thank ranking member Pilon for his partnership in this legislation and look forward to getting the bill across the finish line. And we're also considering the GART Act today, which places new restrictions on humanoid and quadruped robots linked to the CCP aligned robotics companies and adds them to the covered list. I appreciate the administration's recognition of this threat with a recent update to the covered list I do have some questions however about how an overly broad approach could hurt American supply chains our ability to compete against China in the long term and that's why this bill's carve-out for nine adversarial countries is essential for continuing our collaboration with like-minded partners and allies, urge all my colleagues to support these bills before us today. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back.

Thank you. And now I'll recognize the gentleman from New Jersey, the ranking member for his opening statement.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today the uh subcommittee is gonna mark up six bipartisan bills, and I'm pleased we are marking up HR eight two five five, the satellite and telecommunication streamlining act, which I introduced with Chairman Guthrie. He's already mentioned it. This bill would reform the satellite licensing process at the Federal Communications Commission for certain satellite applications. To ensure that these systems continue to be built and licensed here in the United States, we must have a reasonable and balanced process to evaluate them, and this legislation provides an important framework for achieving that. Um, there's no doubt that satellites have an important role to play in keeping Americans safe and secure, and I expect consumers to rely on satellite technology in the years to come as wireless carriers and phone manufacturers continue to add this capability to their networks and devices. And with this technology, if mobile consumers find themselves in an area without cellular service, whether it's because of a lack of coverage, result of a natural disaster or some other reason, they will continue to have the ability to reach first responders and loved ones during their time of need. By simplifying the satellite licensing process, the sat streamlining act will accelerate innovation and strengthen the competitiveness of the united states satellite industry on the global stage. And this is imperative because other countries, including our foreign adversaries, are making aggressive moves to dominate this industry, which has real consequences for economic and national security. And I'm committed to continuing to work with chairman Guthrie to ensure the licensing process is fair and efficient. Now we also have HR t seven two nine four, the AI. secure networks act led by representatives menendez and flueger and this legislation is timely particularly since we have seen what can happen when ai is allowed to operate without any guardrails it's gonna help us better understand the role ai can play in the security of communications infrastructure so that our network defenses stay ahead of the curve we must stay on top of new and emerging threats that seek to compromise critical infrastructure such as our telecommunications networks We're also moving forward with H R nine one two nine, the GART Act, led by representatives McClellan and Molinar. This legislation applies the framework from my secure and trusted communications network act to the rapidly growing market for humanoid and other robotics even though the FCC recently took steps to provide more scrutiny to all foreign-produced advanced robotics their process lacks transparency and clarity the GART Act provides some much needed congressional oversight of these types of national And while we must ensure that untrusted suppliers with ties to our adversaries do not flood the US market, both robotics and other advanced technology and services, we must do so in a manner that makes sense. There's also plenty of work left to do to address the incessant robocalls and phone scams that target consumers daily, despite all our past work on this issue. So I'm pleased we're considering HR six one five two, the foreign robocall, Elimination Act, as we must continue to take steps to help tackle this serious consumer threat. And lastly, uh, Mister Chairman, I support advancing two bills that build on the sub-country's work to deploy reliable and affordable broadband service across the nation. H R two eight O five and H R four nine five O can improve how we manage, track, and carry out federal broadband deployment initiatives as efficiently as possible. So I appreciate the bipartisan cooperation that went into all these bills. And I yield back the balance of my time. Thank you. Thank you, Chairman Hudson.

Well, thank you, sir. Uh, the chair reminds members that pursuant to the committee rules, all members' opening statements will be made part of the record. Are there any further opening statements? Saying not, the chair calls up HR eighty-two fifty-five and asks the clerk to report.

HR eighty-two fifty-five. A bill to amend the communications action.

Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with, and the bill will be opened for amendments at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek to be recognized on the bill? All right. The question now occurs on adopting H R eighty-two fifty-five. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Those opposed no. The ayes have it. The bill is adopted and forward to the full committee. The chair calls up HR ninety-one twenty-nine and asks the clerk to report.

HR ninety-one twenty-nine, a bill to provide for certain humanoid and quadruplet

Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be opened for amendments at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek to be recognized on the bill? What purpose does the gentlelady seek recognition for?

Uh, speaking to the bill.

You're recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.

Uh, thank you, Mister Chairman. Uh, you may remember that last year, SCALE-AI founder and CEO uh testified before this committee that in twenty eighteen, when he visited China, they were beginning their the Chinese Communist Party's five-year plan. And at that time he saw how advanced China's AI capabilities were and how leveraging them in a variety of ways, including to surveil and suppress their population. That same year, President uh Chinese President Xi Jinping declared China's plans to dominate AI by twenty thirty. And their five year plan has made artificial intelligence and advanced robotics core to their national security strategies. And they've since dedicated significant stake back resources to prop up the Chinese advanced robotics market. As witnesses testified during our legislative hearing, impressed upon the committee, time is of the essence. Chinese robotics equipment has already begun to enter domestic markets, undercutting American-made technology and innovation, while seriously creating serious vulnerabilities for our businesses, research institutions, schools, and other organizations that increasingly rely on connected robotic systems. Just as we have addressed national security concerns by involving routers and drones, we must consider the risk posed by advanced robotics. And as these technologies become increasingly integrated into our factories, warehouses, laboratories, hospitals, classrooms, we cannot wait until potentially compromised equipment is deeply embedded in our economy, and critical infrastructure, before we act. And while I'm glad that the FCC has taken steps to address these concerns, by placing foreign-produced advanced robotic devices on the covered list, I believe this committee is better positioned to take a more balanced approach in determining which robotic devices should be placed on this list, as we did through the secure and trusted communications act, rather than a broad-budget approach that may inadvertently harm the industry we're trying to protect. And that's why I am proud to have worked with the China Select Committee Chair Molinar on the GART act. This bipartisan legislation directs the FCC to work with our national intelligence agencies to examine the national security risk posed by advanced robotics equipment and determine whether that equipment, produced by foreign adversaries, should be subject to appropriate restrictions. Importantly, the Guard Act provides a carve-out for our NATO allies and major non-NATO out non-NATO allies to ensure that we remain focused on the threats posed by foreign adversaries, without unnecessarily cutting off small businesses, manufacturers, and the research community from innovative technologies as they work to secure and diversify supply chains. Chinese robotic equipment has already begun to flood domestic markets, undercutting American-made technology and innovation while leaving the business, science, and education sectors seriously vulnerable. This bill is not about closing our markets to competition, but about ensuring that American companies and workers are competing on a level playing field and the technologies we use increasingly depend on secure, trustworthy equipment that does not provide the Communist the Chinese Communist Party with another avenue into sensitive American networks and data. And I look forward to working with the Chairman, the Ranking Member and my colleagues to advance this important legislation through into law. I yield back.

Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? For what purpose does a gentleman from Georgia seek recognition?

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike last word.

Uh, you're recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the GARD Act. As advanced robotics become increasingly connected to our communications network, we need to understand the potential national security risks associated with this technology. The GARD Act directs our national security agencies to examine whether certain humanoid or quadruped robotics Communications equipment and services pose an unacceptable risk to the United States or the safety of the American people. If a serious threat is identified, the FCC would have the authority to add that equipment or service to its covered list. This is proactive, common sense step to protect our communications network. I urge support and I yield back.

Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? The question now occurs on adoption H R ninety-one, twenty-nine. All those in favor say aye.

Aye. Aye.

All opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the bill is adopted and forwarded to the full committee. The chair calls up H R sixty-one, fifty-two, and asks the clerk to report.

H R sixty-one, fifty-two. A bill to direct the Federal Communications Commission to establish a task force

Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill will be open for amendment at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek to be recognized on the bill? Uh, for what purpose does a gentleman from Georgia seek to be recognized?

Mr. Chairman, I move the straight last word.

You're uh recognized to speak for five minutes on the bill.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act. Illegal robocalls originating overseas continue to target Americans with scams and fraudulent schemes. This bill takes a common sense approach by creating an inter-agency task force to identify better ways to combat unlawful foreign robocalls. It also strengthens private sector traceback efforts and gives providers additional tools to help protect the integrity of the robocall mitigation database. Americans should not have to worry that every unknown call is another attempted scam. I'm proud to support this bipartisan legislation and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I'm pleased to support this legislation and I yield back.

Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? For what purpose did the General of Louisiana seek recognition?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Robo-calls are

And recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Robo-calls are an everyday irritation for Americans. Beyond the annoyance, bad actors use robocalls to commit scams that can cause serious financial harm. These callers often use fraudulent schemes to impersonate government agencies, or claim that a person owes money. In many cases, they use distressing language to create panic and pressure individuals, especially our older community members, into sharing personal information. Louisiana residents endure more than one hundred and forty million robocalls in just six months and and in just the month of June rather of this year. According to the Robocall Index, This is uh onerous and strong numbers. We must work together to identify these responsible and hold them accountable. The Foreign Robocall Elimination Act gives federal agencies, communication providers and consumer protection organizations an important opportunity to develop best practices to combat these often deceptive deceptive calls. I want to thank Representative McDowell and Morrison for their leadership and commitment to addressing an issue that affects us all, and bring these criminals to justice. Just recently, in my home state Louisiana, there was an elderly couple that um was scammed out of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars on one of these robocalls, an elderly couple that was duped, that was duped into believing that this was a legitimate financial institution requesting legitimate information uh turned out to not be. And as a result of this, they are having to operate in financial peril and legal battles trying to make it right. These kind of measures will go a long way to give support for our senior citizens, for individuals who are um tricked into giving information to these rogue operators on the other end of the line, oftentimes calling from other countries. Uh, this is a great measure and I urge full support. I yield.

Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? For what purpose did the gentlemen from New Jersey seek recognition?

Uh, Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Uh, you are recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank Congresswoman Dowell for leading this important legislation, of which I'm a co-sponsor. and the committee for considering it today. Everyone with a phone has received a robocall or scam call. Millions of Americans continue to be targeted by phone scammers. These individuals prey on the vulnerable, impersonating trusted individuals and institutions to gain access to sensitive financial and personal information and a c- and cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars per year in financial losses. Robo-calls originating from o- overseas pose an especially nefarious threat. While Congress has taken the strides to identify and to trace back illegal robocalls thanks in part to this bipartisan action by this committee, scams originating from overseas are often unwittingly assisted by gaps in law enforcement resources, limiting their ability to track and respond. This bill brings together experts in the federal government, law enforcement, private sector, and consumer advocates to develop ways to improve our response to scam ro- robocalls originating overseas. These recommendations will inform Congress's future response, as govern- government works to protect Americans from a financial exploitation. I support this timely action to advance a uni- unified strategy to combat foreign robocalls and protect Americans from financial harm. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back.

Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill?

Mr. Chairman.

Uh, for what purpose did the gentleman from Idaho seek recognition?

I'd like to strike the last word.

You are recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. According to the Idaho Department of Finance, people in my home state of Idaho have lost eighty-eight million dollars to robocall scams. Nationally, Americans received nearly thirty million scams robocalls in text, losing nearly two billion dollars. In nineteen ninety-one, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act was enacted. Two thousand three, the Do Not Call Implemen- Implementation Act was enacted. Twenty nineteen, the Pologne Thune Trace Act was enacted. I support HR sixty one fifty two, the foreign robocall elimination act, with the operative word being elimination. These robocall scammers are more than just a nuisance, they're a clear and present danger. Let's enact HR sixty one fifty two, have the DOG and FCC work collaboratively and put these guys out of business, or maybe even in jail. With that, you're back.

Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? Question now occurs on adopting H R six one five two. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the bill is adopted and forwarded to the full committee. Chair calls up H R seventy two ninety four and asks the clerk to report.

H R seventy two ninety four, a bill to study the impacts of artificial intelligence.

Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with, and the bill is open for amendment at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek to be recognized on the bill? For what purpose does a general from New Jersey seek recognition?

Speak on the bill?

The gentleman is recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.

Thank you, Chairman. New Jersey's eighth congressional district is home to one of the densest concentrations of critical infrastructure in the country, making secure and reliable communications networks essential to our communities. These networks connect families to emergency services our ports, banks, hospitals and schools, while ensuring first responders can act quickly and effectively in the event of an attack or disruption to essential services. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, we need the strongest tools available to defend our networks. AI can help providers strengthen communications networks by identifying vulnerabilities and responding to threats faster. But used maliciously, AI can also make cyber attacks more dangerous, and Congress must address both sides of this challenge. That's why I introduced the bipartisan AI for secure networks act alongside Congressman Flueger. Our bill would promote the responsible use of AI to strengthen the cyber security of America's communications networks while confronting the risk posed by its misuse as threats to the networks Americans depend on become more frequent and complex Congress must take action to strengthen these systems and protect the communities that rely on them I'm proud of this committee's advancing bipartisan solutions to strengthen these systems protect families and keep communities across the country connected. Thank you. Now you're back.

Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? Uh for what purpose did the General of Louisiana seek your admission?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Uh the General is recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.

I'm proud to Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm proud to be a co-sponsor of the AI for secure networks act. Legislation that creates a study to evaluate the impacts of AI technology and the role in enhancing the security of our telecommunications networks. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, We must stay ahead of emerging challenges to protect the systems p- systems people rely on every day. From phone services and emergency communications to access to critical public services, our networks face increasingly sophisticated threats that could disrupt communications. For South Louisiana and other disaster prone areas, connectivity is essential. Cyberattacks can hinder emergency response efforts and slow disaster recovery. This bill represents a forward-looking commitment to strengthen our telecommunication networks. By examining how AI can enhance security, resilience and efficiency. We can offer safeguards to people that reinforce the infrastructure that sustains our nation. I urge favorable passage of this critical legislation to ensure our networks are secure and dependable. I yield.

Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? Uh, what purpose does a gentleman from Texas seek recognition?

Uh, Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Clerk will report the amendment.

Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H R seventy-two, ninety four.

Objection to read an amendment is dispensed with and the gentleman is recognized for five minutes in support of the amendment.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Everyday Americans phone calls, text, and personal data travel across telecommunications networks that are facing a sharp and growing rise in cyber attacks. Recent reporting revealed that millions of attacks were launched against US telecomm-ations providers in a single year, a double-digit percentage spike that costs billions of dollars in losses worldwide, and put Americans' privacy and security at risk. AI has unfortunately given our adversaries powerful new tools to launch these attacks at scale. But it's not just a threat. It can, and it should be, used to harden and defend the very systems our adversaries are trying to exploit. That's why I'm proud to co-lead HR seventy-two ninety-four, the AI for Secure Networks Act, with my colleague, Congressman Menendez, to harness AI to strengthen real-time threat detection, boost resiliency and interoperability, and make our next generation networks more secure and efficient. Our subcommittee's July twenty-second legislative hearing on protecting communications networks and improving connectivity underscored just how mature and in some cases how immature our AI-based defenses against these threats really are. The AI for Secure Networks Act directs the Department of Commerce through NTIA to study how AI can improve the security of our telecommunications networks and report back to Congress within a year, so we're legislating based on real findings rather than guesswork. Since its introduction, we've worked with stakeholders across industry and on both sides of the aisle to strengthen this legislation and the aims that I am offering today reflects that work. It keeps the core of the bill fully intact while broadening the study a bit further, including extending its scope to emergency alerting, and public safety networks, and adding additional areas for commerce to examine, such as how we secure the AI tools themselves through benchmarking, testing, and guardrails. I want to thank Congressman Menendez for his continued partnership, and I urge my colleagues to support the amendment in the nature of a substitute, and the underlying bill, and I yield back.

Thank you. Is there any discussion of the amendment? There's no further discussion. Vote occurs on the amendment. All those in favor shall signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All opposed, nay. The ayes have it, and the amendment is agreed to. Um. So, the question now occurs on adopting HR seventy-two ninety-four as amended. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the bill is adopted as amended and forwarded to the full committee. Chair calls up H R twenty eight O five and asks the clerk to report.

H R twenty eight O five. A bill to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop an

Objection. The first reading of the bill is dispensed with. The bill will be open to amendment at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek to be recognized on the bill? For what purpose does the gentleman from Georgia seek recognition?

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike last word.

You're recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the plan for Broadband Act. The federal government has numerous programs working to expand broadband access, but these efforts need to be coordinated effectively if we want to close the digital divide truly. This bi- bipartisan bill directs NTIA to develop a national strategy to close the digital divide and improve the management and coordination of federal broadband programs and deployment efforts. Connecting every American requires more than simply spending money. We need a clear strategy to ensure federal programs are working together and resources are being

Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? For what purpose did you come from California seek recognition?

Mr. Chairman, I'm gonna strike the last word.

You're recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I'm glad my bipartisan bill with Rep Wahlberg, the plan for broadband acts included in today's mark-up. As the federal government invests in broadband access and connectivity, we have to ensure these funds are employed effectively if effectively across the country to areas of need. In twenty twenty-two, the Government Accounting Office, or GAO, released a study identifying over a hundred and thirty federal programs to expand broadband access administered by fifteen different federal agencies. Unsurprisingly, GAO found that this vast number of programs spread across so so many agencies has led to a fragmented confusing and overlapping patchwork of funding. This is especially problematic for communities with the most limited resources may be the most affected by this fragmentation. In an increasingly on-line world, it's more important than ever for my constituents in San Diego and Americans across the country to have a reliable and r affordable internet connection as quickly and and consistently as possible. The plan for Broadband Act mirrors GO's re- recommendations from a study to synchronize federal efforts through a national broadband strategy. The bill directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to develop a federal strategy for the coordination and management of national broadband programs. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, to close the digital divide, and ensure that federal broadband funding reaches the communities in need. Thank you and I yield back.

Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? For what purpose did the General of Louisiana seek recognition?

Mr. Chairman, move the strike, the first word. That's more

You are recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Broadband is an essential is essential infrastructure that keeps our communities connected and enables full participation in today's economy. As technology advances, reliable high-speed internet will only grow more critical, which is why the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment, or BEAD, program's historic investment to connect rural and underserved communities is so very important. Broadband also serves as the backbone of telehealth, allowing patients, especially in rural areas, to access quality healthcare without having to travel long distances. But without reliable broadband infrastructure and funding to train healthcare workers to implement new programs, telehealth simply is not an option for those who need it most. Since taking office, the Trump administration has withheld federal funds meant for workforce training and implementation through the BE program, preventing communities from experiencing the connectivity they were promised. We must continue investing in our broadband network that connects everyone regardless of their zip code. While we continue to wait on the Trump administration to provide these essential funds to our communities, the Plan for Broadband Act is a proactive approach to develop a national strategy to close the digital divide and improve coordination across federal pro- broad band programs and help deploy these efforts as quickly and broadly as possible. Thank you, Mister Chairman, I yield.

Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? Question now occurs on adopting H R twenty eight O five. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the bill is adopted and forwarded to the full committee. Chair calls up H R forty nine fifty and asks the clerk to report.

H R forty nine fifty, a bill to direct the Federal Communications Commission.

Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with, and the bill will be opened for amendment at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek to be recognized on the bill? For what purpose did General A from Indiana seek recognition?

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

You're recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.

Thank you, Chairman Hudson, for bringing H R four nine five zero to this mark-up. I will also want to thank my colleague, Miss Kelly, for co-leading the bill with me, Mr. Soto, Mr. Joyce, and Mr. Landsman for their support as co-sponsors. The FCC's national broadband map helps determine where federal broadband dollars are invested. That map is currently built on homes and businesses. It says nothing about farmland. So the acres where the farming actually happens go unaccounted for. A farmhouse can register as served while the fields around it have no usable signal. But the equipment that runs a modern farm, the guidance system, soil sensors, yield monitors, irrigation controls, it needs a network out in the field, not the front porch. Our bill fixes that without collecting a single new data point. USDA already knows where the cropland is. The Data Bridge Act simply directs the FCC to include that information on the map. When this subcommittee held its legislative hearing in July, I asked the Government Accountability Office whether the FCC's map should serve as the single source source of truth for these federal decisions. The members of this subcommittee were told That is the best option we have, and that agencies must lean on it to coordinate and avoid overbuilding and funding the same ground twice. That is the primary reason for this bill. If every agency is steered by one map, that map has to be complete and accurate. And every blind spot in the map threatens to waste investment dollars, creating a blind spot in the funding decisions that are built on top of it. The Data Bridge Act is a low-cost, common-sense fix using data the government already has to make every broadband dollar end up closer to where the work gets done inside the office and in the field. I urge my colleagues to support H R four nine five zero and I yield back.

Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? For what purpose did General Affelman always seek recognition?

I'll just write the last word.

You are recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.

Thank you, Mister Chairman, for holding today's mark-up and including HR forty nine fifty, the Data Bridge Act. Reliable broadband is essential infrastructure. It connects families to health care, students to educational opportunities, and small businesses to customers around the world. It is also critical to the success of American farmers and rural communities, who increasingly rely on prec- precision agriculture and other connected technologies to remain competitive. I'm proud to be the Democratic co-lead of this bipartisan bill with the gentlelady from Indiana because good broadband policy starts with accurate, complete data. If our maps fail to identify agricultural areas, we risk overlooking farmers who depend on reliable connectivity to support food production and drive innovation. This legislation gives policymakers better information by incorporating USDA cultivated land maps into the national broadband map. so that broadband investment can be targeted where they are needed most. This is a common sense bipartisan fix. It will lead to better decisions, better stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and better outcomes for rural America. I urge my colleagues to support it, and I thank the chairman again for moving it forward today. Thank you and I yield back.

Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? We'll purpose the gentleman from Florida seek recognition.

To speak on the bill.

You're recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.

Thank you, Chairman. American agriculture is one of the most productive on the planet, and it's increasingly becoming more high-tech. Visiting citrus groves and cattle ranches, uh among other of our local growers in fruits and vegetables, we see them using sensors and irrigation, uh being able to monitor weather for natural disasters, even fertilizer. Uh and internet access is absolutely critical. uh for precision agriculture. Uh we've seen rural broadband as finally slowly starting to be rolled out, uh though way too slow, uh and we need to continue to, as a committee, uh push to make sure that it comes out in a quicker fashion. But as it does roll out, we need to make sure as well that the national broadband map is accurate. Agricultural areas, uh our food production must be part of this map, which is why I'm pleased to support and vote for hr forty nine fifty the bridge act and shore the fcc incorporates all these ag areas into our broad band map and our broad band strategy to help our local farmers ranchers and growers feed america and i thank reps howchin kelly landsman and others for uh their support of this great bill and i yield back

thank you is there any further discussion on the bill question now occurs on adopting hr forty nine fifty all those in favor say aye Those opposed, no. The ayes have it. Bill's adopted and forwarded to the full committee. Without objection, staff is authorized to make technical and conforming changes to the legislation approved by the committee today. So ordered. Without objection, the committee stands adjourned.