Overview

Title

An Act To reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to update the mission and functions of the agency, and for other purposes.

ELI5 AI

The bill wants to give more money to a special group in charge of making sure we all have good internet and safe communication, but some people are worried that they might not spend the money wisely. It also changes some job titles and adds new offices to help with special projects like managing radio waves and keeping computers safe from bad things.

Summary AI

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 aims to reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and update its mission. This act increases funding for the agency, modernizes its responsibilities, and establishes several new offices, such as the Office of Spectrum Management and the Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity. It also emphasizes improving nationwide broadband access, managing spectrum resources efficiently, and enhancing cybersecurity policies.

Published

2024-05-15
Congress: 118
Session: 2
Chamber: HOUSE
Status: Engrossed in House
Date: 2024-05-15
Package ID: BILLS-118hr4510eh

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
29
Words:
20,419
Pages:
110
Sentences:
336

Language

Nouns: 6,097
Verbs: 1,460
Adjectives: 1,005
Adverbs: 136
Numbers: 746
Entities: 956

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.48
Average Sentence Length:
60.77
Token Entropy:
5.56
Readability (ARI):
33.34

AnalysisAI

The proposed legislation aims to update and enhance the functions and mission of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). It allows for the NTIA's reauthorization and proposes a comprehensive reshaping of several offices and committees that manage telecommunications in the United States. The bill incorporates opportunities to stimulate advancements in spectrum management, cybersecurity, public safety communications, and the digital economy.

General Summary

At its core, the bill seeks to restructure and update the NTIA's mission by reauthorizing its operations and updating its organizational framework, last significantly altered in the early '90s. It includes a substantial increase in the budget allocated to the NTIA for the next two fiscal years and updates job titles within the agency, shifting from "Assistant Secretary" to "Under Secretary."

Additionally, the legislation proposes creating several new offices within the NTIA, focusing on areas such as managing radio frequencies, addressing cyber threats, and enhancing public safety communications. It also calls for the establishment of advisory committees to guide telecommunications policy and support a strategic approach to closing the digital divide.

Significant Issues

One of the primary concerns raised by the bill is its lack of explicit budget allocations for the new and expanded offices it seeks to create. Although the annual budget is increased significantly from previous years, the bill does not provide a clear explanation or justification for this increase, raising questions about potential wasteful spending.

Furthermore, the bill involves numerous amendments to existing legislation, such as changing titles within the NTIA, which could cause legal interpretation difficulties and administrative challenges. The various newly proposed offices could also face coordination issues without clear budget plans or oversight mechanisms described in the bill.

Broad Public Impact

This bill, if enacted, might broadly impact the American public by expanding access to high-speed internet, thereby working towards closing the digital divide. It aims to improve telecommunications security and infrastructure, which could benefit consumers through better access to safe and reliable communication technologies.

However, the lack of clear financial planning could ultimately lead to inefficiencies and squandered resources, potentially wasting taxpayer money. Moreover, the enhanced focus on security and coordination might raise prices for services if providers pass on the costs to consumers.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For technology and communication companies, this legislation might offer both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, it encourages the adoption of innovative technologies, possibly aiding in the reduction of entry barriers for new market players. On the other hand, companies that fail to meet the bill's security and data handling criteria might find themselves either excluded or facing substantial operational changes.

Within government, the restructuring could lead to some initial confusion and require adjustments to cooperate and implement the provisions effectively. Stakeholders like local and state governments potentially benefit from reduced administrative barriers when participating in federal broadband programs, as the bill outlines ways to simplify processes and reduce costs associated with these programs.

Overall, the bill's impact will largely depend on the execution and management of the new structures it proposes. While offering potential advancements in telecommunications security and accessibility, it risks inefficiencies without clear oversight and financial planning.

Financial Assessment

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 involves several financial elements that merit careful consideration. Below is a structured analysis of these financial references and their connections to identified issues.

Appropriations Increase

The bill notably includes a significant increase in appropriations for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Previously, the NTIA was allocated $17,600,000 for fiscal year 1992 and $17,900,000 for fiscal year 1993. The current bill changes this to $57,000,000 each for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. This represents a substantial rise in funding, which could potentially lead to concerns about whether this increase is justified or if it might lead to wasteful spending. Furthermore, the basis for such a dramatic increase compared to early 1990s figures is not clearly provided within the bill, raising questions about financial oversight and accountability.

The increase in funding is intended to support a modernization of the NTIA's mission and the establishment of several new offices. While these developments might necessitate additional resources, the lack of a clear explanation regarding the financial justification for this increase could hinder effective evaluation and oversight of spending.

Establishment of New Offices

The bill establishes several new offices, including the Office of Spectrum Management, the Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity, and the Office of Public Safety Communications. However, there are no specified funding sources or detailed budget allocations provided for these new entities. This absence of financial detail could lead to potential financial inefficiencies and challenges in oversight. Without clear financial directives, it may be difficult to ensure that the resources are efficiently and appropriately allocated among these new offices.

Impact on Financial Oversight

The restructuring of positions and the expansion of NTIA responsibilities also introduce changes that may complicate legal interpretations and transitions within the agency. For example, changing position titles from "Assistant Secretary" to "Under Secretary" may affect how funds are appropriated or managed if the changes are not accounted for correctly in financial documentation. This could further complicate oversight and lead to potential budgetary mismanagement if not carefully monitored.

Governance and Ethical Concerns

The act also discusses the formation of advisory boards, such as the Digital Economy and Cybersecurity Board of Advisors, with significant discretion granted to the Under Secretary in the appointment and removal of board members. With this level of discretion, concerns could arise regarding favoritism or lack of diversity, affecting the ethical governance of these bodies. These governance structures, if not properly managed, could also have financial implications, potentially diverting funds from their intended purposes.

Conclusion

In summary, while the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 seeks to modernize and expand the NTIA's role with a substantial increase in funding, it raises several issues regarding financial justifications, potential inefficiencies, and challenges in managing new responsibilities without clear budgetary guidance. These factors underscore the importance of detailed oversight and accountability mechanisms to ensure that financial allocations achieve the intended legislative goals effectively and efficiently.

Issues

  • The significant increase in appropriations for the NTIA from previous years to $57,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 (Section 101) raises concerns about whether the increase is justified or could lead to potential wasteful spending. The basis for such a dramatic increase compared to early 1990s figures is not clearly provided, impacting financial oversight and accountability.

  • The bill introduces a broad range of amendments to various acts and regulatory frameworks, such as changing position titles from 'Assistant Secretary' to 'Under Secretary' (Section 101), which might complicate legal interpretations and transitions within the NTIA. This could create confusion for those not familiar with the restructuring, impacting the implementation and understanding of the legislation.

  • The establishment of several new offices, including the Office of Spectrum Management (Section 201), Office of Public Safety Communications (Section 501), and Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity (Section 401), without specified funding sources or budget allocations, raises concerns about potential financial inefficiencies and oversight challenges.

  • Various sections, such as the establishment of the Digital Economy and Cybersecurity Board of Advisors (Sections 403 and 110A), include provisions that allow for significant discretion by the Under Secretary in the appointment, removal, and compensation of board members. These could lead to concerns over favoritism or lack of diversity, affecting the ethical governance of these bodies.

  • The requirement for extensive interagency coordination and the development of a 'whole-of-Government strategy' for ensuring economic competitiveness in the ICT supply chain (Section 402) may face challenges due to the lack of specific criteria or metrics, potentially leading to unclear objectives, overlapping efforts, or inefficient implementation.

  • The broad language and undefined terms used in various provisions, such as 'economic competitiveness' and 'trusted vendors' (Section 402), and 'public entities' and 'private entities' (Section 501), may lead to varied interpretations and potential legal ambiguities, impacting effective implementation and enforcement of the bill's intentions.

  • The lack of detailed specifics regarding oversight mechanisms or accountability processes for new offices, such as the Office of Spectrum Management (Section 201) and Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity (Section 401), may raise ethical and governance concerns, potentially leading to mismanagement or inefficiency.

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title; table of contents Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The text outlines the "National Telecommunications and Information Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024," which includes various sections and titles addressing different aspects of telecommunications and information management, such as spectrum management, internet connectivity, cybersecurity, public safety communications, and international affairs. Each title contains specific sections focused on reauthorization, enhancing digital infrastructure, and improving the competitiveness and security of the information and communication technology supply chain.

2. Definitions Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section defines terms used in the Act, explaining that "Commission" refers to the Federal Communications Commission, "NTIA" refers to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and "Under Secretary" refers to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.

101. Reauthorization of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The bill section updates the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Organization Act by increasing funding for the NTIA, changing the title of "Assistant Secretary" to "Under Secretary," and adding responsibilities like fostering the U.S. digital economy and ensuring open global networks. It also makes numerous technical amendments to replace references to the "Assistant Secretary" with "Under Secretary" in other laws.

Money References

  • (a) Authorization of appropriations.—Section 151 of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act is amended by striking “$17,600,000 for fiscal year 1992 and $17,900,000 for fiscal year 1993” and inserting “$57,000,000 for fiscal year 2024 and $57,000,000 for fiscal year 2025”.

102. NTIA Consolidated Reporting Act Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The NTIA Consolidated Reporting Act simplifies reporting procedures by removing outdated requirements, consolidating various annual reports from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and extending certain audit and reporting duties through 2024. It aims to streamline how reports are handled and published each year, starting January 1 after the bill's enactment.

201. Office of Spectrum Management Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is setting up an Office of Spectrum Management, which will be led by an Associate Administrator who reports to the Under Secretary. This office will oversee the allocation and management of frequencies for U.S. radio stations, help coordinate telecommunications activities, and support the security of telecommunications systems in the U.S., among other duties.

106. Office of Spectrum Management Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Office of Spectrum Management is established within the NTIA and is led by an Associate Administrator who reports to the Under Secretary. The Associate Administrator is responsible for managing frequency assignments, establishing spectrum policies, representing federal agency interests in spectrum allocation, providing advice on telecommunications security, and coordinating spectrum management activities both nationally and internationally.

202. Improving spectrum management Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines new procedures for managing the radio spectrum, enhancing coordination between government agencies regarding any proposed use of radio frequencies. It mandates improved communication and cooperation involving federal agencies, including a requirement for annual reporting on coordination activities and regular updates to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

107. Improving Spectrum Management Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In Section 107, the bill focuses on improving how the Federal Government coordinates and manages radio spectrum use. It requires clear communication and coordination between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Under Secretary regarding spectrum changes, ensuring that any Federal agency concerns are documented and addressed, with measures to protect classified information. Additionally, the section outlines responsibilities for the Interagency Spectrum Advisory Council (ISAC) and mandates regular updates to their coordination agreements.

203. Spectrum management improvements Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section on spectrum management improvements outlines tasks for the Under Secretary to work with other agencies to develop and test new technologies and methods for managing radio frequencies, such as advanced antenna systems and AI-driven dynamic access. It also requires the promotion and support of skilled workforce development and partnerships for prototyping advanced communications technologies, focusing on dynamic spectrum access and advanced communications technologies like optical and quantum communications.

204. Institute for Telecommunication Sciences Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) is established under the authority of the Under Secretary to serve as a primary lab for the federal government, studying radio frequencies and spectrum sharing, among other activities. Additionally, the ITS will lead an initiative to develop emergency communication technologies for use in confined spaces like underground mines and buildings, working with private and federal entities to enhance technology reliability, and reporting to Congress within 18 months.

108. Institute for Telecommunication Sciences Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) is a test center under the authority of the Under Secretary, primarily serving as a lab for the government to study radio frequency emissions, spectrum sharing, and related technologies. It will also support an initiative to develop communication and tracking technologies for emergencies, especially in areas where regular radio communication is difficult, like underground mines and high-rise buildings.

205. Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The new section of the law establishes the Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC) within 90 days of the law’s enactment to offer advice on managing radio frequencies effectively. The committee will have 10 to 30 members representing various groups, including government, technology developers, and internet service providers, and will focus on promoting efficient use of spectrum resources, fostering innovation, and enhancing U.S. economic interests globally.

109. Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC) is established within 90 days of this section's enactment to advise the Under Secretary on developing spectrum management policies that support U.S. leadership in communication technologies. The committee, which can have 10 to 30 members from diverse backgrounds, will serve without compensation and may form subcommittees to help fulfill its duties, but these subcommittees cannot directly advise the Under Secretary.

206. Voluntary criteria, standards, ratings, and other measures for certain radio receivers Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section requires the Under Secretary to form a working group that will help create and update voluntary guidelines and standards for radio receivers operating on spectrum reserved for Federal use. These guidelines aim to minimize interference and ensure effective operation without imposing mandatory rules, and they must be reviewed and updated every four years.

301. National Strategy to Close Digital Divide Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The bill requires the Under Secretary to create a National Strategy aimed at ensuring everyone in the U.S. has access to affordable, high-speed internet by coordinating federal efforts, reducing costs, and lowering barriers for state, local, and Tribal governments. It also outlines the development of an Implementation Plan, regular progress briefings to Congress, public consultations, and a study by the Government Accountability Office to evaluate the effectiveness of these efforts.

401. Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The bill establishes an Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity within the NTIA, led by an Associate Administrator who reports to the Under Secretary. This office is responsible for analyzing and developing policies related to internet and communications technologies, promoting cybersecurity, advocating for innovation and competition, and improving collaboration among stakeholders to enhance security and commercial growth in the technology sector.

110. Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section establishes an Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity within the NTIA, led by an Associate Administrator who reports to the Under Secretary. The Office's duties include developing communication and cybersecurity policies, promoting innovation and security in communications technology, and coordinating with other agencies and stakeholders to address technological challenges and opportunities.

402. Economic competitiveness of information and communication technology supply chain Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section requires the Secretary of Commerce to submit a report on the economic competitiveness and security of the U.S. information and communication technology (ICT) supply chain. This report will identify crucial ICTs, assess vendor competitiveness, recommend Federal actions, and develop a government-wide strategy to support trusted vendors and reduce reliance on those deemed insecure.

403. Digital Economy and Cybersecurity Board of Advisors Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The amendment establishes the Digital Economy and Cybersecurity Board of Advisors within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This Board will provide recommendations to enhance cybersecurity practices and foster collaboration among public and private sectors, focusing on securing internet communications and promoting innovation, with its members drawn from a diverse group of cybersecurity experts.

110A. Digital Economy and Cybersecurity Board of Advisors Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Digital Economy and Cybersecurity Board of Advisors is set up under the NTIA to give guidance on best cybersecurity practices and policies that promote secure, innovative, and economically beneficial information networks. This Board includes 5 to 25 members with expertise in cybersecurity and related fields, who serve 2-year terms without pay, and may form subcommittees for specific tasks, but the Board will end 4 years after its creation.

404. Cybersecurity literacy Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Congress believes that promoting cybersecurity knowledge among the public is essential for national security and economic reasons. The Under Secretary is tasked with creating a campaign to teach people about reducing cybersecurity risks, such as identifying phishing attacks, changing default passwords, using tools like anti-virus software, and being aware of the risks posed by various internet-connected devices and public Wi-Fi networks.

405. Understanding cybersecurity of mobile networks Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The bill section mandates that within one year, the Under Secretary, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, must submit a report to Congress about the cybersecurity of mobile networks and devices. The report will assess how well service providers are addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities, explore customer considerations regarding cybersecurity, evaluate the use of encryption and authentication in mobile services, and identify challenges in improving these technologies while excluding 5G networks from consideration.

406. Open RAN outreach Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section describes how the Under Secretary will help small communication network providers understand the advantages and difficulties of using Open RAN networks and encourages their participation in a related grant program. It also defines terms like "Under Secretary," "open network architecture," and "Open RAN network" to clarify their roles within the context of this outreach effort.

501. Establishment of the Office of Public Safety Communications Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section establishes an Office of Public Safety Communications within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, led by an Associate Administrator. This office's responsibilities include managing grant programs related to 9-1-1 services, analyzing public safety communication policies, providing assistance to the Under Secretary, coordinating studies, and communicating policies to governments and private entities.

110B. Establishment of the Office of Public Safety Communications Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Office of Public Safety Communications is established within the NTIA and is led by an Associate Administrator who reports to the Under Secretary. The office's duties include managing government 9-1-1 grant programs, analyzing public safety communication issues, advising on policies, and coordinating efforts with various government and private entities to enhance public safety communications.

601. Office of International Affairs Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The text establishes the Office of International Affairs within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and outlines the duties of its head, the Associate Administrator for International Affairs. The office is responsible for developing and coordinating international telecommunications and information policy, working with Federal agencies, the Secretary of State, and international bodies, to support U.S. interests in global telecommunications.

110C. Office of International Affairs Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section establishes the Office of International Affairs within the NTIA and details the responsibilities of its head, the Associate Administrator. These duties include coordinating international telecommunications policy with the Secretary of State, advising other federal agencies, and representing the United States in international policy meetings and negotiations.

602. Establishment of interagency national security review process Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The text describes the establishment of an interagency review process to evaluate national security concerns related to foreign ownership in applications for telecommunications services. The Under Secretary and various federal entities are responsible for reviewing these applications and making recommendations to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) within specific timeframes, with confidentiality requirements for sensitive information.

110D. Establishment of interagency national security review process Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section establishes a review process involving several federal entities to evaluate the national security implications of applications submitted by foreign-owned companies to the U.S. telecommunications sector. It describes the procedures, deadlines, and confidentiality rules for this review process, and specifies the roles of the Under Secretary and the President in making recommendations regarding these applications.