Hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee - Opening Statement of Rep. Blackburn, Hearing on Oversight of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Hearing

Good morning and welcome back to the hearing room Mr. Redl! We sure are excited to provide some oversight of NTIA since you've left us to the administration. As you well know, several of this Committees' top priorities are carried out by NTIA, not the least of which is efficiently coordinating federal usage of spectrum.

Around the world, countries are racing to be the first to 5G. To be competitive, the United States will need to continually make available the spectrum needed to build out these networks. It seems NTIA is hard at work identifying bands that could be freed up for the commercial use, especially with the recent announcement of 100MHz that you've identified as a candidate band. We fully recognize the challenge of balancing the need for more spectrum with the significant national security and public safety issues associated with clearing bands. I look forward to hearing your plans on how we maintain our status as a global leader in the wireless space.

Of course, spectrum isn't the only priority NTIA has (although we know it's your favorite). NTIA is also at the forefront of coordinating Next Generation 9-1-1. Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated the 50 th anniversary of the first 9-1-1 call made in Haleyville, Alabama. Yet we are still struggling to bring 9-1-1 into the 21 st century. It's unfortunate to hear that deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 services are being stymied by States that divert much-needed funding for non-9-1-1 purposes. As NTIA and NHTSA administer State grants, we need to ensure that any funding for Next Generation 9-1-1 is used efficiently.And while we're on the topic of funding, let's not lose sight of why we're here. As your oversight authority, it is our duty here in Congress to make sure you have the tools you need to succeed. It is no doubt that we have loaded up your plate with important priorities --but as we look to the fiscal year 2019 budget, we seek to get a better sense of what you need to get the job done.

I'm pleased to see you've hit the ground running, and I look forward to hearing more about your priorities as you embark on these important issues. With that, I will yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. Lance.

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