Enhance Labeling, Accessing, and Branding of Electronic Licenses Act of 2014

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5161) to promote the non-exclusive use of electronic labeling for devices licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 5161, the E-LABEL Act. This legislation that I introduced is a bipartisan and bicameral measure that marks an important step forward in modernizing our laws to reflects today's information and communications technology marketplace.

Over the past 20 years, there has been tremendous growth and innovation in both the communications and manufacturing industries. Smartphones, tablets, and other revolutionary devices come equipped with functionalities we could only imagine just a short time ago. In the midst of this innovation era, it is critical that our laws recognize these advancements and are updated to foster continued investment and opportunities for future development. The E-LABEL Act will facilitate this effort.

The E-LABEL Act establishes a timeline for the FCC to move forward with a rulemaking to permit the use of electronic labels instead of physical labels to certify that devices with screens have been approved for commercial use. Not only will this give manufacturers greater flexibility to design innovative products that consumers demand, but by some estimates, e-labeling will save manufacturers over $80 million a year. Consumers will also benefit from efficiencies created by e-labeling. E-labeling can expand consumer access to relevant device information and enhance the overall quality and availability of equipment identification records through supporting software. The E-LABEL Act represents good policy for both manufacturers and consumers and should be advanced without delay.

I thank Ranking Member Eshoo, Congressman Welch, and Congresswoman Blackburn for their support on this measure. I also thank Chairmen Upton and Walden for their continued support and leadership in modernizing our communication laws for the digital age. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

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

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Mr. Speaker, I would urge the House to support this legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time

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

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