House Communications Sets May 16 Hearing on Converging Telecom, Competition, National Security Issues

The House Communications Subcommittee set a May 16 hearing on telecom issues' impact on U.S. national security and companies' global competitiveness, as expected (see 1804190059). The session is to begin at 10 a.m. in 2123 Rayburn. It follows an April House Digital Commerce Subcommittee hearing on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, the broad executive branch group that reviews the national security implications of foreign takeovers of U.S.-located companies of all types, and proposed legislation to update the CFIUS review process (see 1804260029). The House Communications hearing will “examine the convergence of a number” of the subcommittee's priorities, “including expanding broadband access, promoting competition in both wireline and wireless markets, and protecting our telecommunications infrastructure from national security threats,” the House Commerce Committee said. “As we continue our work to close the digital divide and lead the race to 5G, we must be prepared to prevent and mitigate threats from those seeking to diminish America’s standing in the world,” said House Communications Chairman Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn. Lawmakers have said Trump administration officials' repeated citations of the national security implications of maintaining U.S. leadership in 5G innovation are a sign Congress needs to act on broader telecom policy issues that would help sustain that dominance (see 1803210019).