Subcommittee Markup of 6 Bills
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House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology U.S. House of Representatives
Follow its sittingsDoris Matsui
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 networks 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 cybersecurity went beyond what they were supposed to do and accessed real-world systems without permission. I've been demanding answers about how these incidents happened, what safeguards failed, and what needs to change as AI systems 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 risks 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 or sensitive information.
Better coordination among agencies and stronger traceback tools can help stop these calls before they reach consumers. These are practical bills and addressing real problems. And I appreciate the bipartisan work that brought us to today's markup. As we move forward, I will continue focus on the same principles. Connect every community.
Protect consumers. Preserve strong public interest safeguards and make sure the 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.
Brett Guthrie
Thank you. I now recognize the gentleman from Kentucky, the chairman of the full committee, for his opening statement.
Today, we are considering six bipartisan bills, including the SAT Streamlining Act, which I introduced a few months ago with Ranking Member Pallone. Thank you. Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this markup and the recognition. While I look forward to moving this legislation to the full committee for consideration, we're continuing 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 continues to lead in the space economy. And I want to thank Ranking Member Pallone for his partnership on this legislation and look forward to getting the bill across the finish line. And we're also considering the GUARD 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 their recent update to the covered list.
I do have some questions, however, about how an overly broad approach could hurt American supply chains and our ability to compete against China in the long term. And that's why this bill's carve-out for non-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. I now recognize the gentleman from New Jersey, the ranking member, for his opening statement.
Frank Pallone
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today, the subcommittee is going to mark up six bipartisan bills, and I'm pleased we are marking up H.R. 8255, the Satellite and Telecommunications 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. 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 our 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 H.R. 7294, the AI for Secure Networks Act, led by Representatives Menendez and Pfluger.
And this legislation is timely, particularly since we have seen what can happen when AI is allowed to operate without any guardrails.
We're also moving forward with HR 9129, the GUARD Act, led by Representatives McClellan and Molinaro. 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 GUARD Act provides some much-needed congressional oversight of these types of national security decisions. And while we must ensure that untrusted suppliers with ties to our adversaries do not flood the US market with 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 6152, the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act, as we must continue to take steps to help tackle this serious consumer threat. And lastly, Mr. Chairman, I support advancing two bills that build on the subcommittee's work to deploy reliable and affordable broadband service across the nation. HR 2805 and HR 4950 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, Chairman Hudson.
Brett Guthrie
Thank you, sir. The chair reminds members that pursuant to committee rules, all members' opening statements will be made part of the record. Are there any further opening statements? Seeing none, the chair calls up HR 8255 and asks the clerk to report.
Brett Guthrie
Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill be open for amendments at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek to be recognized on the bill? All right. The question now occurs on adopting HR 8255.
All those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the bill is adopted and forward to the full committee. The chair calls up HR 9129 and asks the clerk to report.
Brett Guthrie
Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill be open for amendments at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek to be recognized on the bill? For what purpose does the gentlelady seek recognition?
Speaking to the bill.
You're recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.
Speaker 8
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You may remember that last year, Scale AI founder and CEO testified before this committee that in 2018, 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 they were leveraging them in a variety of ways, including to surveil and suppress their population. That same year, President, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared China's plans to dominate AI by 2030. And their five-year plan has made artificial intelligence and advanced robotics core to their national security strategies, and they've since dedicated significant state-backed 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 robotics systems. Just as we have addressed national security concerns by involving routers and drones, we must consider the risks 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-brush approach that may inadvertently harm the industry we're trying to protect. And that's why I'm proud to have worked with the China Select Committee Chair Moolenaar on the GUARD 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 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 that 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.
Speaker 10
Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? For what purpose does the gentleman from Georgia seek recognition?
You're recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.
Speaker 9
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the GUARD 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 GUARD 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 a proactive, common-sense step to protect our communications network. I urge support and I yield back.
Brett Guthrie
Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? The question now occurs on adopting H.R. 9129. All those in favor say 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. 6152 and asks the clerk to report.
Speaker 4
H.R. 6152, a bill to direct the Federal Communications Commission to establish a task force...
Brett Guthrie
Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill be open for amendment at any point. So ordered. Does anyone seek to be recognized on the bill?
Speaker 9
For what purpose does the gentleman from Georgia seek to be recognized?
Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This bill takes a common sense approach by creating an interagency task force to identify better ways to combat unlawful foreign robocalls. 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.
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 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 does the gentleman from Louisiana seek recognition?
Speaker 11
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Robocalls 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 endured more than 140 million robocalls in just six months and in just the month of June rather of this year. According to the Robocall Index, this is onerous and strong numbers. We must work together to identify those responsible and hold them accountable. The Foreign Robocall Elimination Act gives federal agencies, communications providers, and consumer protection organizations an important opportunity to develop best practices to combat these often deceptive calls.
I want to thank Representative McDowall 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 was scammed out of $250,000 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. 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 tricked into giving information to these rogue operators on the other end of the line, oftentimes calling from other countries. This is a great measure and I urge full support. I yield.
Brett Guthrie
Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? For what purpose does the gentleman from New Jersey seek recognition?
Robert Menendez
Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank Congresswoman McDowall for leading this important legislation, of which I'm a co-sponsor in 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 cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars per year in financial losses. Robocalls originating from overseas pose an especially nefarious threat. While Congress has taken strides to identify and 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 from the federal government, law enforcement, private sector, and consumer advocates to develop ways to improve our response to scam robocalls that originate overseas. These recommendations will inform Congress's future response as government works to protect Americans from financial exploitation. I support this timely action to advance a 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.
I'd like to strike the last word.
Russ Fulcher
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 receive nearly thirty million scam robocalls and texts, losing nearly two billion dollars. In 1991, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act was enacted. 2003, the Do Not Call Implementation Act was enacted.
2019, the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act was enacted. I support H.R. 6152, 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 H.R. 6152, have the DOJ and FCC work collaboratively and put these guys out of business, or maybe even in jail. With that, I yield back.
Brett Guthrie
Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? Question now occurs on adopting H.R. 6152. All those in favor say aye.
Brett Guthrie
Those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the bill is adopted and forwarded to the full committee. The chair calls up H.R. 7294 and asks the clerk to report.
Brett Guthrie
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 the gentleman from New Jersey seek recognition?
Speak on the bill.
The gentleman is recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.
Robert Menendez
Thank you, Chairman. New Jersey's 8th 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 and support 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 cyberattacks 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 Pfluger. Our bill promotes the responsible use of AI to strengthen the cybersecurity 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 this committee is advancing bipartisan solutions to strengthen these systems, protect families, and keep communities across the country connected. Thank you, and I yield back.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The gentleman is recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.
Speaker 11
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 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.
Brett Guthrie
Without objection, the reading of the amendment is dispensed with, and the gentleman is recognized for five minutes in support of the amendment.
August Pfluger
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Every day, Americans' phone calls, texts, and personal data travel across telecommunications networks that are facing a sharp and growing rise in cyberattacks. Recent reporting revealed that millions of attacks were launched against U.S. telecommunications providers in a single year, a double-digit percentage spike that cost 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 H.R. 7294, 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 22nd 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 AINS 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.
I yield back.
Brett Guthrie
Thank you. Is there any discussion of the amendment? If there's no further discussion, vote occurs on the amendment. All those in favor shall signify by saying aye. All opposed, nay.
The ayes have it, and the amendment is agreed to. The question now occurs on adopting H.R. 7294 as amended. All those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no.
The ayes have it and the bill's adopted as amended and forwarded to the full committee. The chair calls up H.R. 2805 and asks the clerk to report.
Speaker 4
H.R. 2805, a bill to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop...
Speaker 10
Objection, the first reading of the bill's dispensed with, the bill 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?
Speaker 9
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 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 deployed effectively. I'm pleased to support this legislation and I yield back.
Scott Peters
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm glad my bipartisan bill with Rep. Walberg, the Plan for Broadband Act, is included in today's markup. As the federal government invests in broadband access and connectivity, we have to ensure these funds are employed effectively across the country to areas of need. In 2022, the Government Accounting Office, or GAO, released a study identifying over 130 federal programs to expand broadband access administered by 15 different federal agencies. Unsurprisingly, GAO found that this vast number of programs spread across 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 who may be the most affected by this fragmentation. In an increasingly online world, it's more important than ever for my constituents in San Diego and Americans across the country to have a reliable and affordable internet connection as quickly and consistently as possible. The Plan for Broadband Act mirrors GAO's recommendations from the 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.
You are recognized for five minutes to speak on the bill.
Speaker 11
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Broadband is an 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 BEAD 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 broadband programs and help deploy these efforts as quickly and broadly as possible. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I yield.
Brett Guthrie
The ayes have it, and the bill's adopted and forwarded to the full committee. Chair calls up H.R. 4950 and asks the clerk to report.
Brett Guthrie
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? For what purpose does the gentlelady from Indiana seek recognition?
Erin Houchin
Thank you, Chairman Hudson, for bringing H.R. 4950 to this markup. I also want to thank my colleague, Ms. 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 systems, 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 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. 4950, and I yield back.
Robin Kelly
Move to strike the last word. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Beholding today's markup and including H.R. 4950, the Data Bridge Act, reliable broadband is essential infrastructure.
It connects families to healthcare, 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 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.
Brett Guthrie
Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? What purpose does the gentleman from Florida seek recognition?
Darren Soto
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, among other of our local growers in fruits and vegetables, we see them using sensors and irrigation, being able to monitor weather for natural disasters, even fertilizer. And internet access is absolutely critical for precision agriculture.
We've seen rural broadband as finally slowly starting to be rolled out, though way too slow, and we need to continue to, as a committee, 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, our food production, must be part of this map, which is why I'm pleased to support and vote for HR 4950, the Bridge Act, to ensure the FCC incorporates all these ag areas into our broadband map and our broadband strategy to help our local farmers, ranchers, and growers feed America. And I thank Reps Houchin, Kelly, Landsman, and others for their support of this great bill. And I yield back.
Brett Guthrie
Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the bill? The question now occurs on adopting HR 4950. All those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no.
The ayes have it. The 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, committee stands adjourned.