[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 8, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H46-H49]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PROMOTING UNITED STATES WIRELESS LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019
Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I move to
suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4500) to direct the Assistant
Secretary 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.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 4500
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Promoting United States
Wireless Leadership Act of 2019''.
SEC. 2. REPRESENTATION AND LEADERSHIP OF UNITED STATES IN
COMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS-SETTING BODIES.
(a) In General.--In order to enhance the representation of
the United States and promote United States leadership in
standards-setting bodies that set standards for 5G networks
and for future generations of wireless
[[Page H47]]
communications networks, the Assistant Secretary shall, in
consultation with the National Institute of Standards and
Technology--
(1) equitably encourage participation by companies and a
wide variety of relevant stakeholders, but not including any
company or relevant stakeholder that the Assistant Secretary
has determined to be not trusted, (to the extent such
standards-setting bodies allow such stakeholders to
participate) in such standards-setting bodies; and
(2) equitably offer technical expertise to companies and a
wide variety of relevant stakeholders, but not including any
company or relevant stakeholder that the Assistant Secretary
has determined to be not trusted, (to the extent such
standards-setting bodies allow such stakeholders to
participate) to facilitate such participation.
(b) Standards-Setting Bodies.--The standards-setting bodies
referred to in subsection (a) include--
(1) the International Organization for Standardization;
(2) the voluntary standards-setting bodies that develop
protocols for wireless devices and other equipment, such as
the 3GPP and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers; and
(3) any standards-setting body accredited by the American
National Standards Institute or Alliance for
Telecommunications Industry Solutions.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall brief
the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate on a strategy to carry out
subsection (a).
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) 3GPP.--The term ``3GPP'' means the 3rd Generation
Partnership Project.
(2) 5G network.--The term ``5G network'' means a fifth-
generation mobile network as described by 3GPP Release 15 or
higher.
(3) Assistant secretary.--The term ``Assistant Secretary''
means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications
and Information.
(4) Cloud computing.--The term ``cloud computing'' has the
meaning given the term in Special Publication 800-145 of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, entitled
``The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing'', published in
September 2011, or any successor publication.
(5) Communications network.--The term ``communications
network'' means any of the following:
(A) A system enabling the transmission, between or among
points specified by the user, of information of the user's
choosing.
(B) Cloud computing resources.
(C) A network or system used to access cloud computing
resources.
(6) Not trusted.--The term ``not trusted'' means, with
respect to a company or stakeholder, that the company or
stakeholder is determined by the Assistant Secretary to pose
a threat to the national security of the United States. In
making such a determination, the Assistant Secretary shall
rely solely on one or more of the following determinations:
(A) A specific determination made by any executive branch
interagency body with appropriate national security
expertise, including the Federal Acquisition Security Council
established under section 1322(a) of title 41, United States
Code.
(B) A specific determination made by the Department of
Commerce pursuant to Executive Order 13873 (84 Fed. Reg.
22689; relating to securing the information and
communications technology and services supply chain).
(C) Whether a company or stakeholder produces or provides
covered telecommunications equipment or services, as defined
in section 889(f)(3) of the John S. McCain National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232;
132 Stat. 1918).
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Michael F. Doyle) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
Latta) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania.
General Leave
Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. Madam 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 on H.R. 4500.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Pennsylvania?
There was no objection.
Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield myself
such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4500, the Promoting United
States Wireless Leadership Act of 2019. This bipartisan legislation was
introduced by Mr. Walberg, Mrs. Dingell, and Mrs. Brooks.
The Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2019 directs
the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to
encourage participation by American companies and other stakeholders in
standards-setting bodies, such as the 3GPP and the IEEE, and to offer
technical assistance to those stakeholders that elect to participate in
the course of developing standards for 5G networks and future
generations of communications networks.
Other governments around the world are engaging in the standards-
setting process for 5G and other advanced telecommunications
technologies. Countries such as China and Russia are doing so directly
and through companies that are closely allied with their governments.
This engagement is, at least in part, intended to skew the standards
for these next-generation technologies to favor their national
interests and their companies.
This legislation will give the stakeholders the ability to better
engage in policy choices that are being made today by these standard-
setting bodies, and which will have far-reaching implications for the
development of 5G and other advanced communications technologies in the
future.
We want to ensure that the United States continues to lead the world
in advanced communications technologies and deployments and ensuring
that these standards meet the needs of the United States and our
partners. This is critical to that end.
I want to thank Mr. Walberg. I want to thank Mrs. Dingell and Mrs.
Brooks for the good work they have done in bringing this important
legislation to the floor.
I would also like to thank the Committee on Foreign Affairs and
Chairman Engel for working with the Energy and Commerce Committee to
advance this legislation.
This is a good bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
House of Representatives,
Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Washington, DC, January 3, 2020.
Hon. Frank Pallone, Jr.,
Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Pallone: In recognition of the desire to
expedite consideration of H.R. 4500, Promoting United States
Wireless Leadership Act of 2019, the Committee on Foreign
Affairs agrees to waive formal consideration of the bill as
to provisions that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the
Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The Committee on Foreign Affairs takes this action with the
mutual understanding that we do not waive any jurisdiction
over the subject matter contained in this or similar
legislation, and the Committee will be appropriately
consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation
moves forward so that we may address any issues within our
jurisdiction. I ask you to support the appointment of
Committee on Foreign Affairs conferees during any House-
Senate conference convened on this legislation.
Finally, thank you for agreeing to include a copy of our
exchange of letters in the Congressional Record during floor
consideration of H.R. 4500.
Sincerely,
Eliot L. Engel,
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Energy and Commerce,
Washington, DC, January 6, 2020.
Hon. Eliot Engel,
Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Engel: Thank you for consulting with the
Committee on Energy and Commerce and agreeing to be
discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4500, the
Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2019, so
that the bill may proceed expeditiously to the House floor.
I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure
does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of
your committee or prejudice its jurisdictional prerogatives
on this measure or similar legislation in the future. l agree
that your Committee will be appropriately consulted and
involved as this bill or similar legislation moves forward so
that we may address any remaining issues within your
jurisdiction. I would support your effort to seek appointment
of an appropriate number of conferees from your Committee to
any House-Senate conference on this legislation.
I will place our letters on H.R. 4500 into the
Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill.
I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and
look forward to continuing to work together as this measure
moves through the legislative process.
Sincerely,
Frank Pallone, Jr.,
Chairman.
Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4500, the Promoting
United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2019.
[[Page H48]]
Our communications networks are critically important assets for
facilitating domestic and international commerce.
For decades, the U.S. has led the development of wireless technology
with like-minded nations. With the deployment of the next-generation
wireless technology, 5G, expected to skyrocket in 2020, we must
continue to focus on bolstering foundational elements to make sure the
United States continues to lead on future advancements.
As these standards are set in global, industry-led standards bodies,
we must enhance participation by U.S. companies and remain vigilant
that bad actors don't game the system for their own economic and
national security interests. To keep accountability and ensure proper
transparency, we must encourage participation by trusted parties.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration plays
a central role in these efforts as the executive branch agency with
technical experience. They have decades of expertise working with
industry and other stakeholders to develop these technical standards
globally. I would like to thank the dedicated career staff who work
tirelessly to advance U.S. global wireless leadership.
As we move into the next decade, it is vital that we continue to
enhance participation in critical standards-setting bodies and preserve
U.S. wireless leadership.
I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield 2
minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Dingell).
Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for all of his
leadership.
I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4500, the Promoting U.S.
Wireless Leadership Act of 2019, which we are considering now.
This bill, on which my colleague and good friend from Michigan, Mr.
Walberg, has taken the lead, and my good friend from Indiana, Mrs.
Brooks, the three of us have worked closely and in a bipartisan fashion
to direct the NTIA to encourage participation by trusted American
companies and other stakeholders in international standards-setting
bodies. This is about American competitiveness.
In short, it helps ensure that America's interests are protected, and
that companies have a seat at the table, as the world is deciding what
5G is going to look like. The policy choices that are being made right
now will have lasting implications for 5G technology development around
the world. It is imperative that the United States have a strong voice
in these decisions, so we can continue to lead in an increasingly
competitive market. We cannot give up a competitive edge or give it to
another country.
The Energy and Commerce Committee advanced this bill, and I urge my
colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it today.
Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Indiana (Mrs. Brooks) and I thank her very much for her work on this
legislation.
Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my
strong support for the legislation we have been talking about today,
not only H.R. 2881, the Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2020, but now, H.R.
4500, Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2019.
I want to commend my colleagues, the chair of the subcommittee,
Chairman Doyle, Ranking Member Latta, as well as my colleagues that I
have been working with, Representative Spanberger from Virginia, and
Representatives Dingell and Walberg from Michigan. We have come
together because we know that these two bipartisan bills are critically
important to secure our communications networks and protect our next-
generation telecommunications systems and the mobile infrastructure in
the U.S. from dangerous foreign actors.
As the cofounder and the co-chair with my colleague from Michigan of
the 5G Caucus, we understand how important it is that our laws protect
5G innovation; but also how critically important it is to keep our
citizens and country safe.
I also represent a portion of Indianapolis, Indiana, an original test
site for 5G. Our city has seen the benefits of 5G firsthand and we are
continuing to see those benefits grow as we progress. Indianapolis was
the first city in the country where both Verizon and AT&T tested,
developed, and have deployed 5G technology.
Purdue University has partnered with these companies to create a 5G
acceleration zone that will serve as an incubator for research and
development in exciting new technologies for 5G. And that is why the
Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2019 is so important, to protect the
country from potential cyber threats, while ensuring innovation
continues to move forward.
But we need the administration to develop a national strategy to
maximize the security of those 5G systems.
With the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2019, it
will make sure that we are at the forefront; that the U.S. remains at
the forefront in the conversation by bringing appropriate industry and
government experts to the standards-body table.
As our world becomes even more interconnected through new
technologies and innovations than it already is today, it is important
that we ensure our national security and our global competitiveness
within these industries.
So I am proud to be an original cosponsor of both of these bills. I
urge our body to support securing the innovation of 5G while protecting
the competitiveness of U.S. companies and the privacy of U.S. citizens.
Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I reserve the
balance of my time.
Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Walberg), and I thank him also for his hard work on this
legislation.
Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member and the
chairman for moving this bill forward.
I rise today in support of H.R. 4500, the Promoting United States
Wireless Leadership Act of 2019.
I am pleased my colleague from Michigan, Representative Dingell,
worked with me on this important legislation to enhance United States
leadership in the development of wireless standards.
Michigan's economy has become resurgent, in no small part, thanks to
the renewed focus under past-Governor Snyder on STEM education and
technical careers in the IT field.
As co-chair of the 5G Caucus, I understand the importance of bringing
not only these technical jobs to Michigan, but also the jobs that will
come as a result of leading the world on 5G deployment. As industry
continues to send their best and brightest to these global technical
standards-setting bodies, we must continue supporting them with
necessary technical expertise and continue leading the world in
wireless innovation.
I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I continue to
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Carter).
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R.
4500, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2019.
Make no mistake; the United States is in a race to modernize and
build out the next generation of wireless infrastructure. As with
countless other industries, we have seen how American leadership can
benefit not only Americans, but consumers around the globe.
This bill, sponsored by my good friend and colleague, Mr. Walberg of
Michigan, would ensure Federal and private coordination and cooperation
when it comes to American participation in standards-setting bodies.
{time} 1630
We all know by now the potential concerns associated with technology
that we can't fully trust. By ensuring that we have representation on
essential standards-making bodies, such as the International
Organization for Standardization, we will have a seat at the table to
help guide these policies in a helpful and secure direction.
As many of my colleagues in this body would agree, a forward-leaning
effort in this space will have positive effects long down the line.
[[Page H49]]
I thank my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee for their
work on this, and I urge all of my colleagues to support the underlying
legislation.
Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
North Dakota (Mr. Armstrong).
Mr. ARMSTRONG. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I
rise today in support of H.R. 4500, the Promoting United States
Wireless Leadership Act.
American companies have time and again proven themselves as global
leaders in developing and deploying new technology. To ensure we
maintain our competitive edge and advance future wireless capabilities,
the government must work with the private sector to position the U.S.
as a global leader in the development of 5G standards.
H.R. 4500 fosters this relationship by encouraging companies and
other stakeholders to participate in international standards-setting
bodies while also offering technical assistance to participants.
With China seeking to erode our technical advantage at every turn, it
is more important than ever to promote American leadership and
innovation in our telecommunications networks.
I thank Mr. Walberg, Mrs. Dingell, and Mrs. Brooks for sponsoring
this important legislation.
Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
It is absolutely important that the United States develop these
standards so that we can stay at the top of 5G deployment. As I
mentioned in the earlier bill, we want to make sure that 5G is out
there to support everyone across the United States. Because of that, we
have to make sure that we have these standards in place.
Madam Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield myself
the balance of my time.
Madam Speaker, this is a good bill. I urge all of my colleagues to
support it. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Michael F. Doyle) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4500, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________