Institute for Telecommunication Sciences Codification Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 4990, the ITS Codification Act.

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

In order to protect Federal missions, these reallocation decisions rely on complex technical testing and analysis that experts at the Federal Communications Commission and National Telecommunications and Information Administration evaluate. As policymakers consider reallocating Federal spectrum for commercial use, it is critical that the FCC and NTIA have the information they need to make these decisions.

The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, or ITS, within NTIA plays an essential role in conducting the radiofrequency tests that provide this technical information. The work ITS performs has led to innovative advancements in the way we manage our airwaves.

These airwaves power faster mobile connectivity for Americans, and making more spectrum available in the future is critical to beating China and others in wireless and technological innovation.

The ITS Codification Act will strengthen statutory authority for ITS and ensure that the work they do to advance United States wireless leadership remains a critical ingredient to our success.

Furthermore, I am proud that H.R. 4990 went through regular order and enjoyed unanimous support in both the subcommittee and full committee markups of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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