Robert Latta

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4510, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Reauthorization Act of 2023, which I am pleased to lead with the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, the gentlewoman from California's Seventh District. The NTIA is an agency within the Department of Commerce tasked with advising the President on matters related to telecommunications policy. It is responsible for a variety of activities, which include Federal spectrum management, administration of broadband grants, internet governance, representing the United States at international telecommunication forums, and developing cybersecurity policy. Congress has not reauthorized NTIA since 1992 before many of these responsibilities existed or were relevant. This legislation ensures NTIA has the right structure and resources to fulfill the 21st century mission as directed by Congress. Today's NTIA also plays a key role in our effort to maintain global leadership in wireless communications. NTIA has important statutory obligations to manage Federal spectrum, which is especially important as Federal and non-Federal use of spectrum has intensified with the explosion of mobile phones and new connected technologies. The bill considered today reaffirms NTIA is responsible for coordinating the views of the executive branch and presenting them to the FCC, building more safeguards into the Federal coordination procedures so other agencies' needs are appropriately accounted for as the FCC makes decisions on commercial spectrum use. Indeed, many Federal agencies use spectrum. It is important to have an open and transparent spectrum management process so all agency views are heard and accounted for as NTIA prepares and presents the views of the executive branch on spectrum policy. I look forward to working with all stakeholders as well as reauthorizing spectrum auction authority and identifying future opportunities for spectrum use. Today's NTIA also plays a significant role in closing the digital divide. Congress recently provided NTIA with $48.2 billion for broadband deployment and digital equity and inclusion. This reauthorization is one way to ensure NTIA has the tools it needs to effectively manage these programs and is held accountable for the decisions it makes. Further, with over 130 Federal broadband programs spread across 15 agencies, this legislation would direct NTIA to develop a strategy to improve coordination of these programs. NTIA also addresses some of the Nation's spectrum changes, including cybersecurity and public safety. The legislation codifies existing offices related to both and outlines their duties. The bill also provides clarity and transparency to the Team Telecom process for national security reviews of foreign participation in the telecommunication sector. Finally, we need to make sure NTIA's leadership reflects the important role it plays today, both domestically and internationally. That is why this legislation elevates the NTIA Administrator from an Assistant Secretary of Commerce to Under Secretary of Commerce. This elevation will help NTIA best represent the United States as it coordinates with other agencies and works with other countries. NTIA's role has drastically changed since it was last reauthorized, and I appreciate the work from the agency and my colleagues to update its authorizing statute. I thank the gentlewoman from California's Seventh District for her work on this bipartisan legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4510. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, as I mentioned already, the NTIA has not been reauthorized since 1992. Again, as stated before, many of the responsibilities that it has didn't even exist or were irrelevant at that time, such as Federal spectrum management, administration of broadband grants, internet governance, representing the United States in international telecommunication forums, and especially developing cybersecurity policy. It is absolutely essential that H.R. 4510 be enacted. Madam Speaker, I urge passage of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Devin Ramirez of Amherst, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Devin's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2028. Attending one of our Nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Devin brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2028. While attending Marion Steele High School, he participated in orchestra, L.E.O. Club, student government, and was on the honor role. Throughout high school, Devin was involved in track, soccer, and cross country, earning his varsity letter in all three. I am confident that he will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Devin Ramirez on his offer of appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available, and I am positive that Devin will excel during his career at the Naval Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Dane Janis of Lorain, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Dane's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2028. Attending one of our Nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Dane brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2028. While attending Marion Steele High School, he participated in orchestra, L.E.O Club, National Honor Society, and was on the honor role. Throughout high school, Dane was involved in tennis, earning his varsity letter. I am confident that he will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dane Janis on his offer of appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available, and I am positive that Dane will excel during his career at the Naval Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Elizabeth Iliff of Lorain, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Elizabeth's offer of appointment permits her to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2028. Attending one of our Nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Elizabeth brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2028. While attending Marion Steele High School, she participated in National Honor Society, L.E.O. Club, student government, and was on the honor role. Throughout high school, Elizabeth was involved in cheerleading and golf, earning her varsity letter in both. I am confident that she will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Elizabeth Iliff on her offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available, and I am positive that Elizabeth will excel during her career at the Military Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she begins her service to our Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Nicholas Geraci of North Ridgeville, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Nicholas's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2028. Attending one of our Nation's military academies offers the opportunity to serve our country and receive a world-class education. At the same time, these young men and women undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Nicholas brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2028. While attending North Ridgeville High School, he participated in Key Club, coached middle school track and field, coached powder-puff football, and was on the honor roll. Throughout high school, Nicholas was involved in track and field, earning his varsity letter. After high school, he attended the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Nicholas Geraci on his offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available, and I am positive that Nicholas will excel during his career at the Air Force Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Michael Kinzel of Bowling Green, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Michael's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2028. Attending one of our Nation's military academies offers the opportunity to serve our country, and receive a world-class education. At the same time, these young men and women undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Michael brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2028. While attending Bowling Green High School, he participated in National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and was on the honor roll. Throughout high school, Michael was involved in wrestling, earning his varsity letter. After high school, he attended the Northwestern Preparatory School. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Michael Kinzel on his offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available, and I am positive that Michael will excel during his career at the Air Force Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Jake Wood of Perrysburg, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Jake's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2028. Attending one of our Nation's military academies offers the opportunity to serve our country and receive a world-class education. At the same time, these young men and women undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Jake brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2028. While attending Perrysburg High School, he participated in National Honor Society, Spirit Club, Boy Scouts, and was on the honor role. Throughout high school, Jake was involved in wrestling, earning his varsity letter. I am confident that he will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jake Wood on his offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available, and I am positive that Jake will excel during his career at the Air Force Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Carter Altstaetter of Celina, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Carter's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2028. Attending one of our Nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Carter brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2028. While attending Celina High School, he participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, and was on the honor role. Throughout high school, Carter was involved in football, basketball, and baseball, earning his varsity letter in all three. I am confident that he will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Carter Altstaetter on his offer of appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available, and I am positive that Carter will excel during his career at the Naval Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Bicentennial of Seneca County, Ohio. The values of the pioneers and settlers who overcame the challenges faced during the early years of the county's history have persisted throughout the past 200 years. The hard work and spirit shown by generations of county residents have made Seneca County an outstanding example of American ingenuity. Native American tribes inhabited Seneca County before Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas. Initially, these tribes were the mound builders. but they were followed later by the Seneca and Wyandot tribes. European settlers arrived in the region after General William Henry Harrison established Fort Ball in 1813. In 1824, the Ohio Legislature enacted legislation creating Seneca County and named it after the original tribes that inhabited the area. In the 1830s, agriculture spurred commercial activity throughout the county. With the construction of the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad, the county began to build its economy and population. Currently, the county encompasses roughly 553 square miles and has a population of over 55,000. The county is an asset to the great State of Ohio through its many contributions in the fields of manufacturing and agriculture. Mr. Speaker, by remembering the 200th Anniversary of Seneca County, community members recognize the outstanding achievements, maintain the pioneer attitude, and strive to better their county through the principles on which it was founded. I thank and congratulate Seneca County on this significant milestone.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, the CEO of TikTok appeared before the Energy and Commerce Committee and admitted to me during questioning that ByteDance has access to U.S. user data. This should be an alarm to every TikTok user. There is no reason why the Chinese Communist Party should be in control of an app that can access information on a user's phone. Moreover, because companies who are owned or linked to the Chinese Communist Party are forced to comply with their laws, ByteDance and its employees are taking orders from this Communist regime. This is not a ban, but it provides Communist China-controlled ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, a choice. If ByteDance divests their ownership of TikTok, then TikTok would be available to its U.S. users. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school diver in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Isabella Pfeil, a senior at Avon Lake High School, has ably represented her school on her way to achieving her first Division I State Diving Title. Isabella overcame the challenges posed by intense competition in her effort to win the Division I One-Meter Dive State Championship. In pursuing the State Championship, Isabella defeated her opponent in the finals of the one-meter dive classification. Her hard work and dedication in achieving this accomplishment is truly outstanding. She has accomplished an impressive season record, bringing pride to her school and community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Isabella Pfeil of Avon Lake High School. On behalf of the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3385) to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to submit to Congress a report containing an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of developing a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3385. This bill would direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to assess the value, cost, and feasibility of developing a trans- Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the United States, the Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. A trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable could provide national security benefits to the United States, making this an important issue to study. I thank the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands and the gentleman from Idaho's First District for leading on this important legislation. I also thank the ranking member of the full committee, the gentleman from New Jersey, for his willingness to work with Republicans on this legislation in a bipartisan way through regular order in the committee process. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3385, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, again to highlight, H.R. 3385, as stated in the bill, the report shall include an assessment of the digital security, the national security, and the economic opportunities associated with a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable. This is again essential for our security. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 3385, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3277, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, which is an important step in ensuring America's electrical grid is secure. The Energy Emergency Leadership Act requires the Department of Energy to establish a new Assistant Secretary position that has dedicated focus on preparing and responding to physical attacks and cyberattacks on the grid. As co-chair of the bipartisan Grid Innovation Caucus, I am encouraged that we have this opportunity to highlight the great bipartisan work emerging from the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Dedicated leadership and coordination are necessary for ensuring security. Our electrical grid is fundamental to our everyday lives, and protecting the grid from both cyber and physical attacks is a cause that deserves our full attention. It is too easy to take for granted the reliability of our power grid and the stability and safety it provides for us every single day. Without this infrastructure, we would not be able to stay connected with loved ones, heat and light our homes, or engage in everyday commerce that keeps our economy moving and workers employed. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan and the gentlewoman from Delaware for leading this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Energy Emergency Leadership Act to strengthen the resilience of our power grids, fortify the United States' national security, and protect American families.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2787) to authorize the Federal Communications Commission to process applications for spectrum licenses from applicants who were successful bidders in an auction before the authority of the Commission to conduct auctions expired on March 9, 2023.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2787, the 5G SALE Act, which will help restore trust in our Nation's wireless technology ecosystem and enable faster mobile broadband service for millions of Americans nearly overnight. The 5G SALE Act would deliver on our promise to provide access to our airways for those who successfully won a license at auction before March 9, 2023. These licenses have been locked up since the expiration of the Federal Communications Commission's auction authority earlier this year. While I will continue to work with my colleagues on a long-term solution to reauthorize auction authority, today's legislation is a positive step to ensuring that the FCC can finalize the review and award licenses to companies whose checks have already cleared the Treasury. The 5G SALE Act will ensure that those relying on advanced mobile broadband services, especially our veterans who access VA telehealth services, will benefit from American investment in these technologies. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce), my good friend representing the 13th District.