Findlay Times

Congressman Bob Latta and Congresswoman Doris Matsui have reintroduced the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) Reauthorization Act. This legislative effort aims to enhance spectrum management and update the mission and functions of NTIA.

The NTIA has been provided $42.8 billion by Congress to tackle broadband deployment and promote digital equity and inclusion. Latta's NTIA Reauthorization Act seeks to equip NTIA with the necessary tools to execute its mission effectively while ensuring proper use of taxpayer funds.

"NTIA plays a role in closing the digital divide for Americans who lack basic broadband Internet access, and it is the responsibility of Congress to re-evaluate these duties and ensure the agency has the tools and guidance to appropriately carry them out," Latta stated. "As the former Chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, I’m pleased to reintroduce this legislation to reauthorize the NTIA for the first time in 30 years. This important, bipartisan legislation I’m leading with my colleague, Congresswoman Matsui, will help the agency carry out their mission to connect more Americans while ensuring taxpayer dollars are not wasted."

Matsui noted, "Since NTIA was last reauthorized over three decades ago, the pace of technological innovation has accelerated exponentially. From spectrum governance to the digital economy, NTIA must be empowered to keep America the vanguard of global tech leadership. The bipartisan NTIA Reauthorization Act modernizes NTIA’s mission and provides new tools to ensure the agency can keep up with the pace of innovation."

Previously, Congressman Latta and Congresswoman Matsui introduced the NTIA Resolution, which successfully passed in the House of Representatives.

The NTIA's functions include closing the digital divide, managing national spectrum, and advocating for U.S. telecommunications on the global stage. The NTIA has not been reauthorized since 1992, which has left it in need of updated tools and directions to fulfill its mission of connecting Americans and addressing the digital divide.