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Today, the U.S. House approved the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) Reauthorization Act, legislation led by Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) and Ranking Member Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA7).

Latta and Matsui’s bill is the first reauthorization of NTIA in 30 years and will work to improve NTIA’s ability to execute a national spectrum strategy, coordinate on AI and cybersecurity issues, and update the mission and functions of the agency. In 2023, Congress provided NTIA with $48.2 billion to deploy broadband to those unserved and underserved by the Internet across the United States. The NTIA Reauthorization Act will provide NTIA with the tools needed to be successful in its mission and ensure American tax dollars are not wasted. 

“Having a leg up on the competition requires strong American communications networks, a forward-looking spectrum process, and common-sense reforms to meet the digital age we live in,” Latta said. “Today’s House passage of the NTIA Reauthorization Act is the right step to keep the United States globally competitive and ensure the NTIA continues to carry out its mission of closing the digital divide while safeguarding taxpayer dollars. As Chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, I’m pleased to have advanced the first reauthorization of NTIA in 30 years and to have done it alongside my colleague and friend, Ranking Member Matsui.”

“From closing the digital divide and spectrum governance to AI and cybersecurity, rapid American innovation continues to elevate the crucial role of the NTIA,” Matsui said. “That’s why Chairman Latta and I introduced the first reauthorization of the NTIA in over three decades. In an increasingly interconnected world and complex technological landscape, it is imperative that the federal government speak with a unified voice. The NTIA Reauthorization Act, which includes my Spectrum Coexistence Act, ensures the NTIA is empowered to do what is necessary to keep America the vanguard of global tech leadership. I applaud my colleagues for passing this bipartisan legislation and urge the Senate to do the same quickly.”

“For continued American leadership, we must ensure the NTIA’s mission, structure, and responsibilities reflect the modern communications ecosystem," Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers said. "This legislation reauthorizes the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for the first time in over 30 years and modernizes the mission of the agency. NTIA plays an important role in our ongoing efforts to close the digital divide and secure connectivity for every American. I thank Reps. Latta and Matsui for leading on this legislation to give the NTIA clear direction and ensure the U.S. is dominating in everything from responsible management of our spectrum resources to broadband and artificial intelligence.” 

“We thank Reps. Latta and Matsui for their leadership in introducing the NTIA Reauthorization Act," CTIA Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Kelly Cole said. "We look forward to continuing our work with NTIA to ensure decisive action is taken to reallocate spectrum and build the pipeline America needs to secure our global economic competitiveness.”

“NTIA is an essential player in our nation’s connectivity future," President and CEO of USTelecom Jonathan Spalter said. "This bipartisan reauthorization affirms that critical mission and reminds us of the important work ahead.”

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.

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