Sen. Fischer Underscores Importance of FirstNet, Urges its Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In her opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Telecommunications and Media subcommittee hearing, Chairman Deb Fischer (R-NE) underscored the importance of FirstNet – the nation’s dedicated public safety network – and stressed the importance of reauthorizing the network before its sunset next February.
Sens. Cruz, Welch Introduce Bill to Strengthen America’s Satellite Sector
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) today introduced the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act, bipartisan legislation that aims to update the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) application process and remove regulatory barriers and uncertainty that could threaten investments in the United States’ commercial satellite industry.
Chairman Cruz: We Must Preempt Attacks on U.S. Communications Networks
In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media hearing titled “Signal Under Siege: Defending America’s Communications Networks”, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) warned that U.S. adversaries are increasingly harnessing cyberattacks to steal intellectual property, gather intelligence, and disrupt essential services.
Chairman Cruz Sounds Alarm on New California Law Giving Free Smartphones to Illegal Aliens
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) wants additional scrutiny on California’s use of taxpayer money to buy smartphones for illegal aliens. As Democrats prolong the government shutdown, demanding that American taxpayers provide free health care for illegal aliens, California has enacted a new state law making illegal aliens eligible for phone subsidies.
Sen. Cruz Sounds Alarm on NDAA Amendment That Undermines Spectrum Pipeline
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) delivered remarks at the Spectrum Policy Symposium hosted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). During his speech, Sen. Cruz emphasized the national security and economic benefits from his spectrum pipeline legislation, which was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The law frees up 800 megahertz of spectrum for commercial use over the next decade, generating an estimated $85 billion for taxpayers, expanding access to cheaper and faster Internet for consumers, and driving productivity and economic growth.
‘The Art of a Spectrum Deal’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board praised Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and President Trump for securing a major legislative breakthrough to reinstate spectrum auction authority. The agreement, included in Senate Commerce Committee’s section of the Senate budget reconciliation text, balances key national security interests with consumer demands, establishing the largest spectrum pipeline ever. The spectrum provision will generate an estimated $85 billion for American taxpayers, drive consumer-focused innovation in connectivity and AI, and secure American leadership in next-generation technologies.
ICYMI: Widespread Support for Senate Commerce Committee’s 800 MHz Spectrum Pipeline
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, leaders across the telecommunications industry and respected tech and economic policy voices endorsed the Senate Commerce Committee’s spectrum provision. The proposal, expected to be included in the Senate budget reconciliation text, marks a historic milestone by creating the largest spectrum pipeline ever and generating an estimated $85 billion for American taxpayers. Reinstating spectrum auction authority will boost the American economy, answer consumer demands, and strengthen American leadership in wireless technologies, while preserving key national security interests.
Sen. Cruz Applauds New NTIA Guidance Fixing Biden’s $42 Billion Internet Boondoggle
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a Policy Notice issuing new guidance for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The new guidance ensures requested funds will be released this calendar year so long as a state proposal is technologically neutral and uses money efficiently. The Notice strips out time-consuming and unnecessary Biden-era central planning mandates, such as its extreme and costly technology bias, illegal rate regulation, and DEI labor requirements. Those edicts limited provider competition and delayed delivery of faster Internet to Americans.
WTAS: President Trump Congratulates Chairman Cruz for Spectrum Deal
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Trump applauded U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, for his deal on spectrum in the budget reconciliation text. Sen. Cruz worked with Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, to broker a deal on spectrum that bolsters American global leadership in wireless technologies.
Commerce Committee Advances Eight Bills, Four Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved eight bills and four nominations for nominees of the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak Board of Directors, and the Department of Commerce. The Committee also voted to promote more than 250 Coast Guardsmen. The approved legislation covers a wide sweep of the Committee’s jurisdiction, including scientific research, transportation, telecommunications, consumer protection, weather forecasting, and disaster preparedness.