Media

House Communications Subcommittee members were universally positive about the Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhancing Networks Act (HR-1513) and four other communications network security bills during a Thursday hearing. House Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., and other lawmakers used the hearing to continue the drumbeat for Congress to allocate an additional $3.08 billion to close a funding shortfall for the FCC’s Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, as expected (see 2402140055).

The House Energy & Commerce panel dives into network security today as lawmakers raise alarms over Chinese tech increasingly woven into U.S. networks. But efforts to root out equipment from foreign adversaries like Huawei and ZTE are hitting roadblocks, with telecoms decrying Congress’ failure to fully fund a Federal Communications Commission rip-and-replace program.

A familiar boogeyman will be the main target of today’s House Energy & Commerce subcommittee hearing: China. The chamber’s subcommittee on communications and technology will review a slew of bills meant to bolster the nation’s telecom network from foreign adversaries, providing an opportunity for lawmakers to garner support for their own policy proposals. Readers can expect lots of talk on programs like rip-and-replace and the lack of funding Congress has allocated to those efforts.

An ESPN/Warner Bros. Discover/Fox partnership creating a sports streaming platform is a further nail in the coffin of the traditional video programming bundle, video industry experts say. GlobalData analyst Tammy Parker said Tuesday it is "a blockbuster deal that will further decimate the traditional US pay-TV sector."

For nearly two decades, Congresswoman Doris Matsui has represented the Sacramento region as a champion for clean energy, health care and technology. The district is centered in Sacramento and includes Elk Grove, West Sacramento, Wilton and Rancho Murieta.