Institute for Telecommunication Sciences Codification Act
Floor Speech
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1455, the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences Codification Act, or ITS Codification Act.
The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, or ITS, is the premier engineering laboratory of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA.
Among its many responsibilities, ITS manages various technology development programs for NTIA and the Department of Commerce and oversees cutting-edge studies concerning the use of our country's airwaves. ITS has played a significant role in furthering telecommunication advancements for our country's benefit.
H.R. 1455 recognizes the numerous contributions of ITS by providing it with additional statutory authority. Under this bill, ITS will serve as the primary laboratory for the executive branch of the Federal Government to study wireless technologies, including the use of innovative sharing technologies for our airwaves and improving the Federal Government's use of spectrum.
The legislation also will allow the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, acting through the head of ITS, to enter into agreements needed to carry out the functions of the laboratory.
This bill also requires the Assistant Secretary to establish an initiative to support the development of emergency communications and tracking technologies. These technologies would then be used to locate people trapped in areas where wireless connectivity may not be available due to natural disasters and other devastating events.
I commend Representatives Pettersen and Carter for their bipartisan work on this bill. It will ensure that one of our Nation's key telecommunications facilities has the necessary tools and resources to not only continue its important work but also expand its activities.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
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Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bill. It is, obviously, very important.
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