Sacramento Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 12, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Congressman Bob Latta’s (R-OH) legislation, the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) Reauthorization Act, was approved by the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. This legislation will improve the management of spectrum, develop a national strategy to close the digital divide, and update the mission and functions of the agency.

“Since Congress last reauthorized NTIA over three decades ago, the pace of technological innovation has accelerated exponentially,” said Ranking Member Matsui. “From spectrum governance to the digital economy, we must empower NTIA to speak for the federal government and keep America the vanguard of global tech leadership. The bipartisan NTIA Reauthorization Act modernizes NTIA’s mission and provides new tools to ensure the agency can keep up with the pace of innovation.”

“While the NTIA plays a role in closing the digital divide for Americans who lack basic broadband Internet access, it’s the responsibility of Congress to re-evaluate these duties and ensure the agency has the tools and guidance to appropriately carry them out,” said Chairman Latta. “As Chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, I’m pleased to have advanced the first reauthorization of the NTIA in 30 years. This important, bipartisan legislation I’m leading with my colleague, Congresswoman Matsui, will help the agency carry out their mission to connect more Americans while ensuring taxpayer dollars are not wasted.”

The NTIA Reauthorization Act includes several Matsui-authored pieces of legislation. Matsui’s Spectrum Coexistence Act requires NTIA to conduct a review of federal receiver technology to support more intensive use of limited spectrum. The SMART Spectrum Act, co-authored by Matsui and Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-KY), develops an Incumbent Informing Capability (IIC). This would allow federal users to share spectrum with commercial users by telling them when and where they’re operating in real time.

Background on the NTIA:

NTIA plays a significant role in closing the digital divide, managing our nation’s spectrum, and advocating the United States’ telecommunications position on the world stage. NTIA has not been reauthorized since 1992, causing it to fall behind in new tools and direction to carry out the mission of connecting all Americans and finally closing the digital divide.

Original source can be found here