Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1618) to require the Federal Communications Commission to review certain rules of the Commission and develop recommendations for rule changes to promote precision agriculture, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my legislation, H.R. 1618, the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act, that I was pleased to introduce with the gentlewoman from Illinois' Second Congressional District (Ms. Kelly).

For years, large parts of my district and rural areas across America have lacked access to fast broadband connections.

Reliable internet access is more than just being able to stream your favorite TV shows and movies. It is the critical connecting link for all of us. Whether it is helping our seniors access telehealth services or allowing students to complete homework assignments or enabling small businesses to reach global markets, our people, country, and economy run on a reliable internet connection.

Farmers in rural Ohio also know that reliable broadband connections are essential to their operations. After all, it helps deploy technologies that increase productivity, produce higher yields, and minimize operating costs.

Today's smart agriculture technology, from autonomous tractors to distributed soil sensors, rely on internet connections to share data.

In fact, farmers use information in real time to make smarter decisions on how to optimize inputs and whether and when to plant or harvest. When terrestrial or cellular networks are not available, satellite broadband steps in to make these technologies work.

However, it is not just advanced satellite broadband capabilities that improve precision agriculture. Earth-imaging satellites also provide important information which helps farmers and ranchers identify visual trends that may require immediate attention.

In order to ensure our regulations maximize these opportunities, our bill would require the FCC to look at its current satellite rules to determine if rural changes can be made to promote precision agriculture.

I am committed to ensuring our farmers have the tools at their disposal to help increase productivity while minimizing costs. This legislation is a good step forward in that mission.

I thank the chairman of the full committee for bringing this legislation to the floor and working with us.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, because I know across my district--I have one of the largest farm income- producing districts in the State of Ohio--our farmers rely on this technology. It is very important that the FCC looks at what they can do to help promote agriculture across this country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1770) to direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence in support of the mission of the Commission and to direct the Secretary of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission to study and report on the use of blockchain technology and tokens, respectively.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1770, the Consumer Safety Technology Act, led by the gentlewoman from Indiana's Ninth District, the gentleman from Florida's Ninth District, and the gentlewoman from Massachusetts.

This legislation will require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence in support of its product safety efforts. It would also direct the Secretary of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission to study and report on the consumer protection applications of blockchain technology.

Technology such as AI and blockchain are revolutionizing the private sector with improvements in efficiency, security, and transparency. We need to make sure the Federal Government is reaping the same benefits and using technology to its advantage.

This bill would not only make these agencies more effective, but it would protect consumers in the process.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join with me in voting in favor of H.R. 1770, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, as has been pointed out, the technologies are changing so rapidly, especially when looking at AI and blockchain and how they are revolutionizing the private sector because of the efficient security and transparency and what we need to be doing on the Federal Government side at the same time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation with an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1766) to amend the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to establish the Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1766, the NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act, led by the gentleman from California's 23rd District and the gentlewoman from Virginia's Fourth District.

Cyber threats, whether originating from state actors, criminal organizations, or malicious hackers, pose significant risks to our national security, economy, and the privacy of our citizens.

The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, like we saw last year in the Salt Typhoon attack, underscores the urgency of addressing this ever-evolving challenge.

The NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act bolsters our Nation's cybersecurity posture by strengthening the coordination between the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, and other relevant Federal agencies. Additionally, the bill renames the existing NTIA Office of Policy Analysis and Development to the Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity and codifies the existing activities of the office.

H.R. 1766 seeks to promote effective information sharing, collaboration, and response efforts established in the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. The legislation also facilitates public-private partnerships to develop and implement cybersecurity policies relating to communication networks.

By encouraging collaboration between government agencies and stakeholders, we can work together to address cyber threats and vulnerabilities more effectively.

Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan legislation passed the House of Representatives by a voice vote in the last Congress. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1766, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Obernolte), the bill's sponsor from California's 23rd District.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, as you can see from today's bills coming from the Energy and Commerce Committee, cybersecurity is high on our list to make sure we are protecting the American public. I strongly ask my colleagues to support this legislation of the gentleman from California's 23rd and the gentlewoman from Virginia's 4th District. I request an ``aye'' vote on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1455) to codify the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences and to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish an initiative to support the development of emergency communication and tracking technologies, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1455, the Institute for Telecommunications Sciences Codification Act, or ITS Codification Act, led by the Representative from Georgia's First District and the Representative from Colorado's Seventh District.

As demand for wireless technology continues to grow, we must continue to focus on identifying potential opportunities that make more spectrum available for commercial use, including reallocating and sharing spectrum.

Complex, technical engineering testing and analysis underpins these important decisions on how best to maximize our airwaves for commercial use while preserving essential Federal missions.

The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, or ITS, within NTIA plays an essential role in conducting the tests that guide spectrum reallocation or sharing decisions. ITS will also help ensure that NTIA, as the Federal spectrum manager, can continue to find opportunities to unleash commercial wireless innovation, while also ensuring military readiness, securing our southern border, advancing scientific discovery, and other Federal missions are successful.

The work ITS performs has led to innovative advancements in the way we manage our airways. These airways power faster mobile connectivity for Americans, and making more spectrum available in the future is critical to beating Communist China and ensuring our continued economic and national security.

The ITS Codification Act will strengthen the statutory authority for ITS and ensure that the work that they do to advance United States technological leadership remains a key part of our approach. This bipartisan legislation passed by a voice vote last Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1455, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, for a good number of years in the Energy and Commerce Committee, especially in the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, one of the things we have talked about is how much more spectrum we have to have in this country to move forward.

For us to stay number one in the world in this sector, it is absolutely essential that this piece of legislation is supported and agreed to by the House, and I ask for support of the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2037) to provide outreach and technical assistance to small providers regarding Open RAN networks, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2037, the Open RAN Outreach Act, led by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hudson), who is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter), who represents the Second District.

This legislation helps pave the way for greater U.S. competition with China by promoting technology that encourages vendor diversity. Specifically, this legislation requires NTIA to provide support to all of our small and rural communications providers that want to deploy Open RAN technology. Promoting a more competitive market of trusted vendors to provide 5G equipment remains an important strategic component to protect U.S. networks.

As an open network infrastructure, Open RAN technology can help diversify communications technology by allowing multiple components from multiple manufacturers. This bill will give small and rural providers important information and support to deploy Open RAN technologies if providers would like to implement this technology in their networks.

This legislation has a strong history of bipartisan support in the Committee on Energy and Commerce and passed the full committee in April by voice vote.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2037, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close at this time. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I also urge Members of the House to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1717) to direct the Federal Communications Commission to establish a council to make recommendations on ways to increase the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications networks, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1717, the Communications Security Act, led by the gentleman from Pennsylvania's 13th District and the gentleman from New Jersey's Eighth District.

The bill strengthens the cybersecurity of critical telecommunications infrastructure by permanently establishing a Federal Communications Commission advisory council to increase the security, reliability, and interoperability of communication networks.

The FCC established the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council, or CSRIC, to provide recommendations to the Commission regarding best practices and actions the Commission can take to ensure optimal security, reliability, and operability of commercial and public safety communications.

A hallmark of the body has been the collaboration between the representatives of private industry, government, and other stakeholders in a forum that facilitates information sharing and the advancement of important issues.

Last fall, we saw one of the most significant attacks on our Nation's communications networks in the Salt Typhoon, which is publicly reported to have been carried out by Communist China.

Against that backdrop, it is critical that we continue efforts to strengthen existing government partnerships with the communications technology industry. This legislation would accomplish that goal by making CSRIC a permanent advisory council to the FCC.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I also urge support of this legislation because, as I have said, we have been working on many of these areas in the Energy and Commerce Committee. Again, I would ask for a ``yea'' vote on the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1765) to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to take certain actions to enhance the representation of the United States and promote United States leadership in communications standards-setting bodies, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1765, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act, sponsored by the gentleman from New Jersey's Seventh District, the gentlewoman from Michigan's Sixth District, and the gentlewoman from New York's Ninth District.

For decades, the United States has led the development of next- generation wireless technology. To maintain our technological leadership and defend against our foreign adversaries, we must continue our leadership in standards development, including our participation in global, industry-led standards bodies.

Without participation by U.S. agencies and companies, we allow our adversaries to pursue their own economic and national security interests unchecked and the opportunity to lead in the development of standards for the next generation of wireless technology.

Already, we are hearing about the Chinese Communist Party's efforts to dominate the upcoming 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference.

I again thank the Representatives from New Jersey's Seventh District, Michigan's Sixth District, Michigan's Fifth District, and New York's Ninth District for their leadership on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1765, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kean), the Representative from the Seventh Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I also encourage a ``yes'' vote on the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3657) to amend the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to annually submit to Congress a report on the status of ongoing hydropower relicensing applications, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3657, the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act, led by the gentleman from Idaho's First District and the gentlewoman from Washington's Eighth District.

Hydropower is critical to our Nation's energy mix, supplying power to approximately 30 million homes and businesses and accounting for 40 percent of the Nation's black start capacity.

However, the average age of a hydropower facility in the United States is 60 years. Therefore, hundreds of projects will be up for relicensing between now and 2035.

Hydropower developers must go through an extensive permitting process in order to license and relicense projects. While important, this process can significantly increase the cost and timeline of relicensing these important energy sources. In fact, the average permitting length of an original license process spans from 5 to 7 years, and the average relicensing process takes between 7 and 10 years.

To increase transparency surrounding the status of hydropower licensing and relicensing applications, H.R. 3657 would require an annual report from FERC to Congress detailing the status of projects that have filed a notice of intent for original or new licenses. This will better inform Congress on the status of applications and highlight obstacles to the efficient permitting and deployment of hydropower projects.

It is imperative that projects are relicensed in a timely manner to ensure clean and reliable hydropower dams remain online for years to come.

I thank the gentlewoman from Washington's Eighth District and the gentleman from Idaho's First Congressional District for their leadership on this very important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3657, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers on the bill. I am prepared to close if the gentleman is, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, all the reports that we have across this country state that we have been producing more power, not less, and hydropower plays an important role in our structure of energy in this country.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school athlete from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Hunter Spangler, a junior at Liberty Center High School, has represented his school ably on his way to achieving the Division III State Title for Shot Put at the State Track and Field Meet. Hunter overcame the challenges posed by intense competition in his effort to win the title.

In pursuing the State Championship, Hunter defeated his opponents with an impressive personal record throw of 63 feet 1.25 inches. His hard work and dedication, both on and off the field, in achieving this accomplishment is truly outstanding. He has achieved an impressive season, bringing pride to his school and community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Hunter Spangler of Liberty Center High School. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school track and field relay team in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. The young men of the Seneca East High School Boys 4 x 800 Meter Relay team have represented their school ably on their way to achieving the Division III State Track and Field Title. The team overcame the challenges posed by intense competition in their effort to surpass all other relay teams in their event.

In pursuing the State Championship, Evan Schiefer, Bradley Smith, Ayden Perkins, and Owen Gahring defeated their outstanding competitors to win with an impressive time of 7:57.32, a new school record. The members of this very special team have shown that their sport requires an individual effort for a team result. Their hard work and dedication, both on and off the track, in achieving this accomplishment should be commended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Seneca East High Boys 4 x 800 Meter Relay team. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school track and field relay team in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. The young men of the Marion Local High School Boys 4 x 400 Meter Relay team have represented their school ably on their way to achieving the Division III State Track and Field Title. The team overcame the challenges posed by intense competition in their effort to surpass all other relay teams in their event.

In pursuing the State Championship, Oliver Huelsman, Justin Knouff, Andrew Pohlman, and Victor Hoelscher defeated their outstanding competitors to win with an impressive time of 3:21.06. The members of this very special team have shown that their sport requires an individual effort for a team result. Their hard work and dedication, both on and off the track, in achieving this accomplishment should be commended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Marion Local High Boys 4 x 400 Meter Relay team. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school athlete from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Isabella Zahn, a senior at Coldwater High School, has represented her school ably on her way to achieving three Division III State Titles for the 200 Meter Dash, 400 Meter Dash, and Girls Long Jump at the State Track and Field Meet. Anna overcame the challenges posed by intense competition in her effort to win the title.

In pursuing the State Championship, Anna defeated her opponents with an impressive time of 23.04 seconds in the 200 Meter Dash, 54.56 seconds in the 400 Meter Dash, and a jump of 18-08.50 in the Girls Long Jump. Her hard work and dedication, both on and off the track, in achieving this accomplishment is truly outstanding. She has achieved an impressive season, bringing pride to her school and community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Isabella Zahn of Coldwater High School. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school athlete from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Anna Roessner, a senior at Fort Recovery High School, has represented her school ably on her way to achieving the Division III State Title for the 100 Meter Dash at the State Track and Field Meet. Anna overcame the challenges posed by intense competition in her effort to win the title.

In pursuing the State Championship, Anna defeated her opponents with an impressive time of 11.75 seconds. Her hard work and dedication, both on and off the track, in achieving this accomplishment is truly outstanding. She has achieved an impressive season, bringing pride to her school and community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Anna Roessner of Fort Recovery High School. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school track and field team in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. The young women of the Coldwater High School Girls Track and Field Team have represented their school ably on their way to achieving the Division III State Track and Field Title. The team overcame the challenges posed by intense competition in their effort to surpass all other teams at the 2025 OHSAA Division III State Track and Field Championships.

In pursuing the State Championship, the Cavaliers defeated their outstanding competitors to win with an impressive 65.5 points. The members of this very special team have shown that their sport requires an individual effort for a team result. Their hard work and dedication, both on and off the track, in achieving this accomplishment should be commended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Coldwater High School Girls Track and Field Team. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school athlete from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Nathan Bright, a senior at North Ridgeville High School, has represented his school ably on his way to achieving the Division I State Title for High Jump at the State Track and Field Meet. Nathan overcame the challenges posed by intense competition in his effort to win the title.

In pursuing the State Championship, Nathan defeated his opponents with an impressive jump of 6 feet 9 inches. His hard work and dedication, both on and off the field, in achieving this accomplishment is truly outstanding. He has achieved an impressive season, bringing pride to his school and community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Nathan Bright of North Ridgeville High School. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.