WASHINGTON—Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) and Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) Codification Act. The legislation strengthens the statutory authority of the ITS testing center, which is essential for informing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) spectrum policy decisions.
The bill, H.R. 1343, also directs ITS to establish an important and potentially life-saving initiative to develop emergency communication and tracking technologies for use in locating trapped individuals in confined spaces.
“Our first responders should have access to the best technology and equipment available to connect with people in harm’s way and save lives. Often in emergency situations, such as earthquakes and building collapses, people get stuck in areas with little or no cell phone service and cannot be located or reached by rescuers,” said Pettersen. “This bipartisan bill, which I am proud to lead alongside Representative Carter, will not only help us study, develop, and improve emergency communications for these exact scenarios—it will also provide the Colorado-based Institute for Telecommunication Sciences with a solid foundation to continue their critical work to research and test emerging technologies in an effort to keep our nation on the cutting edge of innovation.”
“This is an important initiative that will protect and save American lives,” said Carter. “The ITS is key to ensuring that the U.S. has effective, workable, and innovative spectrum policies and practices so that we can maintain our global economic competitiveness and beat China.”
The bill passed on a voice vote after receiving unanimous support in the Energy and Commerce Committee.
