Senate Advances Schatz Technology Initiatives

Sen. Brian Schatz. Courtesy photo.

The U.S. Senate passed key technology legislation introduced by Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) to develop the Internet of Things, expand internet access and streamline Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reporting.

Sen. Schatz is the lead Democrat on the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet.

“The march of technology does not stop or slow down with the political climate in Washington,” said Sen. Schatz. “I’m glad that we can still come together, regardless of party or politics, to give Americans greater access to the internet, while also focusing federal resources on protecting consumers and harnessing the Internet of Things.”

The technology initiatives that passed the senate include:

The FCC Consolidated Reporting Act, introduced by Sen. Schatz and Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.), which will streamline FCC reporting requirements, freeing up limited resources at the federal agency to focus on protecting consumers and promoting competition.

The Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things Act, led by Sen. Schatz and Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), will require the Federal Government to develop a national policy on the Internet of Things.

A provision sponsored by Sens. Schatz and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), included in the Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless (MOBILE NOW) Act, that will help expand affordable internet access.

The legislation advanced this week as Sen. Schatz introduced a resolution with Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) to support a next generation wireless network for the public and private sector.

He also joined with Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and 19 other Democratic Senators to make sure Americans had time to weigh in on the FCC’s attempt to roll back net neutrality protections.

The Senators wrote a letter to the FCC urging the commission to extend the reply comment period on the proposal to undo the Open Internet Order. The FCC received more than 15 million comments in the initial comment period.