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Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and incoming Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) today announced a hearing on ensuring America continues to lead in the burgeoning satellite communications industry.  “Next-generation satellite technologies are revolutionizing the communications marketplace. Yet many of our nation’s laws and regulations haven’t been updated in decades. Given the growth and innovation in this sector, we must ensure the U.S. is keeping pace with this rapidly evolving industry. We look forward to this timely Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing on how to ensure America—not China—continues to lead this global industry.”  The Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Hearing is Entitled “Launching Into the State of the Satellite Marketplace”   WHAT : A hearing to discuss strengthening American leadership in next-generation satellite communications technology.  DATE: Thursday, February 2, 2023  TIME: 10:30 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building  WITNESSES: Witnesses will be announced and are by invitation only.  This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press, and will be livestreamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Noah Jackson with the Committee staff at Noah.Jackson@mail.house.gov .  

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and incoming Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) today announced a hearing on enhancing American global technology leadership to counter competition from China and prevent the Chinese Communist Party from deciding our economic future.   “China’s vision of the future is not one that welcomes American values—freedom of speech, privacy, entrepreneurial enterprise, individual rights, or the rule of law. The CCP spies on its citizens and asserts strict government control over businesses and the economy. America, on the other hand, embraces an open, free-market economy that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. We look forward to convening this important first hearing of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce subcommittee to discuss how we can enhance America’s global competitive edge and beat China.”  The Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce Hearing is Entitled “Economic Danger Zone: How America Competes to Win the Future Versus China”   WHAT : A hearing to discuss enhancing American global technology leadership to counter competition from China and prevent the Chinese Communist Party from deciding our economic future.   DATE: Wednesday, February 1, 2023  TIME: 10:30 AM ET  LOCATION: 2322 Rayburn House Office Building  WITNESSES: Witnesses will be announced and are by invitation only.  This notice is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press, and will be livestreamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Jessica Herron with the Committee staff at Jessica.Herron@mail.house.gov . 

Washington, D.C. —  House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered remarks at today’s Energy and Commerce Committee markup on a  Resolution of Inquiry  on the Biden administration’s efforts to censor Americans by colluding with Big Tech. Excerpts and highlights from her prepared remarks: SALUTE TO DEPARTING MEMBERS “As the 117th Congress comes to a close, I too want to express appreciation to every member of the committee for their hard work during this Congress for the many issues we were able to address. All very important. “I also want to say that we’re going to miss all of you who are not returning, on our side of the aisle, in particular. “Mr. Upton, former Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, just an extraordinary leader of this committee. I’ll always remember when you were in the chair, prioritizing bipartisan work. You wanted to encourage that tradition on this committee and encourage members to come together wherever possible. “I also will remember you for your leadership on 21st Century Cures with Diana Degette and so many others on the committee, making sure that America continues to lead on cures and breakthroughs. “You led the charge there. You set a high bar for all of us. You’ve been just an extraordinary representative. “I also want to call out Mr. McKinley, who is one of our ranking members. Again, such commitment to the people of West Virginia as well as the country.” BIG TECH IS CENSORING PEOPLE ONLINE “For years now, Big Tech has been flagging, suppressing, and outright banning conservatives on their platforms simply for not adhering to their political agenda. “They’ve denied all of these accusations, of course, including in front of this very committee and now, thanks to the recent Twitter Files, we know they were lying. “Top Twitter executives were shadow banning conservatives despite Jack Dorsey claiming otherwise when he was before this committee in 2018. “There have been similar reports showing the Biden administration has been colluding with Big Tech to shut down speech, especially speech that runs counter to President Biden’s agenda. “In March, the Surgeon General stood at the White House podium and urged Big Tech to quote ‘do more’ to silence people online. “Fauci, the CDC, and others have used their official government positions to directly ask social media companies to pull down content or even deactivate accounts. “At every turn, Energy and Commerce Republicans have condemned these actions and demanded transparency from the administration and Big Tech.” AMERICA WAS FOUNDED ON FREE SPEECH “Free speech is foundational to America and our way of life. “Free speech has led to ingenuity and innovation in everything from science to art. “Free speech has been essential for entrepreneurs succeeding in every industry, including the tech industry. “Our country was founded on this. “Our founding fathers and mothers enshrined the First Amendment to protect against government officials abusing their positions of power and public trust to try to silence the voices of those with whom they disagree. “Free speech should be cherished and preserved. “And any attempt by the government to force, coerce or suggest private companies censor people’s free speech is incredibly alarming and warrants scrutiny. “I am pleased to support this resolution asking for more evidence of these conversations between Big Tech and the administration.”

Washington, D.C. —  Communications and Technology Subcommittee Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH) delivered remarks at today’s Energy and Commerce Committee markup on a  Resolution of Inquiry  regarding the administration coordinating with social media companies to silence Americans. Excerpts and highlights from his remarks: “Today, we will consider a resolution of inquiry sponsored by Mr. Clyde of Georgia to obtain information from the Biden Administration regarding the attempts to silence voices online that haven’t fit into the accepted liberal orthodoxy. “This Committee has a duty to conduct oversight of the Biden Administration, especially when it comes to the government influencing what speech is deemed acceptable. “At a time when the Administration should be focused on lowering prices, unleashing American energy, and securing our southern border, they have instead pressured social media companies to silence the voices of those with whom they disagree. “Repeatedly, Biden Administration officials have used their role to persuade Big Tech companies to shut down conservative viewpoints. “This Administration continues its attempts to regulate free speech, and its officials need to come before this committee to answer for their censorship efforts. “That is fundamentally un-American. “I look forward to today’s discussion and urge my colleagues vote to forward this request for information to the Floor.”

Washington, D.C. —  House Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH) issued the following statement on the passage of the bipartisan Data Mapping to Save Moms’ Lives Act. “Having access to reliable, affordable broadband services has become essential in the 21st century, and can often be lifesaving. That’s why we applaud the efforts of Reps. Gus Bilirakis and G.K. Butterfield to pass the bipartisan Data Mapping to Save Moms’ Lives Act, which will help the Federal Communications Commission better identify communities without service and help us move closer to closing the digital divide.” Data Mapping to Save Moms’ Lives Act ( S. 198 ), passed the House Floor 380-46.

Washington, D.C. —  House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH) released the following statement on the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) new broadband maps and the importance ofevery American having access to reliable broadband services. “While overdue, the draft of new broadband maps released today by the FCC are critical. An unprecedented amount of federal funding has been allocated for broadband deployment, and having accurate maps for all states and federal agencies to use when making their funding decisions is essential to closing the digital divide. Now it is up to states, broadband providers, and other stakeholders to work diligently to review and build on these maps to improve their accuracy and make sure resources are not being wasted.”

Washington, D.C. —  House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH) released the following statement commending the passage of bipartisan legislation to improve oversight of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity and Lifeline Programs. “Proper oversight is essential to ensuring taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly and going to the communities that need it most. That is how we close the digital divide. We commend the bipartisan leadership on the Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Act of 2022, which improves congressional oversight of FCC programs to ensure all Americans have access to reliable, affordable broadband services.” Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Act of 2022 ( H.R. 4275 ) passed en bloc by a vote of 381-39.

Washington, D.C. —  House Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following statement in response to Federal Communications Commissioner (FCC) Jessica Rosenworcel’s announcement that the FCC would be establishing a Space Bureau at the agency. “The FCC plays a critical role in licensing satellite communications systems, but the Chairwoman has not yet provided details or clarity on the structure or role of her newly proposed Space Bureau. As the committee of jurisdiction, Energy and Commerce is responsible for directing FCC action, and the agency needs to be open and transparent with the committee members about its efforts to regulate satellite communications. Modernizing the FCC’s satellite licensing rules and authorities will continue to be a top priority for E&C Republicans to help usher in a new era of American innovation and investment in this growing sector.” CLICK HERE  to read more about the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act discussion draft.

Warns Biden Not to Embolden CCP Across our Entire Economy  Washington, D.C. —  House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following statement regarding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) report on the CCP’s attempts to obstruct a DOJ investigation into Huawei. “The DOJ’s report on China’s efforts to infiltrate the highest levels of our government are deeply alarming. It underscores that the Chinese Communist Party will stop at nothing – lying, cheating, and stealing – to undermine America’s economy and global competitive edge. House Energy and Commerce Republicans have been leading efforts to rid Huawei from our communications networks. It is critical that we continue to fund programs like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rip and replace program, which is why the Senate must pass the Spectrum Innovation Act. “Further, President Joe Biden must learn from his own DOJ’s investigation. The CCP went to great lengths to dominate the telecom sector, steal American’s personal information, and threaten our freedom and security. This is what the future holds if he continues to cede control of our energy, technology, and health care supply chains to China. A future that is dependent on China is not a future Americans want nor can afford. Energy and Commerce Republicans will continue to lead on exposing and reversing the damage of the Democrats’ radical agenda benefitting China so the CCP cannot wreak havoc across our entire economy and our way of life.”