[House Report 117-185]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


117th Congress    }                                   {       Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 1st Session      }                                   {       117-185

======================================================================



 
 FUTURE USES OF TECHNOLOGY UPHOLDING RELIABLE AND ENHANCED NETWORKS ACT

                                _______
                                

 November 30, 2021.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

 Mr. Pallone, from the Committee on Energy and Commerce, submitted the 
                               following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 4045]

    The Committee on Energy and Commerce, to whom was referred 
the bill (H.R. 4045) to direct the Federal Communications 
Commission to establish a task force to be known as the ``6G 
Task Force'', and for other purposes, having considered the 
same, reports favorably thereon with an amendment and 
recommends that the bill as amended do pass.

                                CONTENTS

                                                                   Page
  I. Purpose and Summary..............................................2
 II. Background and Need for the Legislation..........................3
III. Committee Hearings...............................................3
 IV. Committee Consideration..........................................4
  V. Committee Votes..................................................4
 VI. Oversight Findings...............................................4
VII. New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures4
VIII.Federal Mandates Statement.......................................5

 IX. Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............5
  X. Duplication of Federal Programs..................................5
 XI. Committee Cost Estimate..........................................5
XII. Earmarks, Limited Tax Benefits, and Limited Tariff Benefits......5
XIII.Advisory Committee Statement.....................................5

XIV. Applicability to Legislative Branch..............................5
 XV. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation...................5
XVI. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............6

    The amendment is as follows:
  Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

  This Act may be cited as the ``Future Uses of Technology Upholding 
Reliable and Enhanced Networks Act'' or the ``FUTURE Networks Act''.

SEC. 2. 6G TASK FORCE.

  (a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall establish a task force to 
be known as the ``6G Task Force''.
  (b) Membership.--
          (1) Appointment.--The members of the Task Force shall be 
        appointed by the Chair.
          (2) Composition.--To the extent practicable, the membership 
        of the Task Force shall be composed of the following:
                  (A) Representatives of companies in the 
                communications industry, except companies that are 
                determined by the Chair to be not trusted.
                  (B) Representatives of public interest organizations 
                or academic institutions, except public interest 
                organizations or academic institutions that are 
                determined by the Chair to be not trusted.
                  (C) Representatives of the Federal Government, State 
                governments, local governments, or Tribal Governments, 
                with at least one member representing each such type of 
                government.
  (c) Report.--
          (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
        which the Task Force is established under subsection (a), the 
        Task Force shall publish in the Federal Register and on the 
        website of the Commission, and submit to the Committee on 
        Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the 
        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
        Senate, a report on sixth-generation wireless technology, 
        including--
                  (A) the status of industry-led standards-setting 
                bodies in setting standards for such technology;
                  (B) possible uses of such technology identified by 
                industry-led standards-setting bodies that are setting 
                standards for such technology;
                  (C) any limitations of such technology (including any 
                supply chain or cybersecurity limitations) identified 
                by industry-led standards-setting bodies that are 
                setting standards for such technology; and
                  (D) how to best work with entities across the Federal 
                Government, State governments, local governments, and 
                Tribal Governments to leverage such technology, 
                including with regard to siting, deployment, and 
                adoption.
          (2) Draft report; public comment.--The Task Force shall--
                  (A) not later than 180 days after the date on which 
                the Task Force is established under subsection (a), 
                publish in the Federal Register and on the website of 
                the Commission a draft of the report required by 
                paragraph (1); and
                  (B) accept public comments on such draft and take 
                such comments into consideration in preparing the final 
                version of such report.
  (d) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) Chair.--The term ``Chair'' means the Chair of the 
        Commission.
          (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal 
        Communications Commission.
          (3) Not trusted.--
                  (A) In general.--The term ``not trusted'' means, with 
                respect to an entity, that--
                          (i) the Chair has made a public determination 
                        that such entity is owned by, controlled by, or 
                        subject to the influence of a foreign 
                        adversary; or
                          (ii) the Chair otherwise determines that such 
                        entity poses a threat to the national security 
                        of the United States.
                  (B) Criteria for determination.--In making a 
                determination under subparagraph (A)(ii), the Chair 
                shall use the criteria described in paragraphs (1) 
                through (4) of section 2(c) of the Secure and Trusted 
                Communications Networks Act of 2019 (47 U.S.C. 
                1601(c)), as appropriate.
          (4) State.--The term ``State'' has the meaning given such 
        term in section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 
        153).
          (5) Task force.--The term ``Task Force'' means the 6G Task 
        Force established under subsection (a).

                         I. PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

    H.R. 4045, the ``Future Uses of Technology Upholding 
Reliable and Enhanced Networks Act'' or the ``FUTURE Networks 
Act,'' directs the Chair of the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) to establish a task force to examine the 
possible uses, strengths, and limitations of sixth-generation 
(6G) wireless networks, including cybersecurity and supply 
chain.

                II. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION

    As consumer demand drives an increasing number and 
diversity of wireless devices, the United States faces 
converging security, supply chain, and other policy issues 
related to wireless networks. Vulnerable internet of things 
devices can be highjacked by third parties to target other 
parts of the network infrastructure, exposing networks to 
risk.\1\ Wireless networks can also be exposed to risk by their 
own network components.\2\ The United States is engaged in a 
global race to produce innovative new wireless technologies, 
lest the nation be relegated to relying on suspect equipment, 
technologies, or services.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\Pete Burke, Protecting critical Internet Infrastructure from IoT 
Device Risks, GCN (Dec. 10, 2018) (https://gcn.com/articles/2018/12/10/
iot-critical-infrastructure.aspx).
    \2\U.S.-China Economic Security Review Commission, Supply Chain 
Vulnerabilities from China in US Federal Information and Communications 
Technology (Apr. 2018).
    \3\Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Though fifth-generation wireless networks and connectivity 
is only beginning to be utilized, United States communications 
and technology companies are already beginning to collaborate 
and discuss 6G networks.\4\ Identifying security and supply 
chain issues early in this process will help policymakers and 
industry proactively address potential problems and 
limitations, while keeping American innovators on the cutting 
edge.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \4\Anna Akins, 6G Wireless: What It Is and When It's Coming, S&P 
Global, Market Intelligence (March 4, 2021) (www.spglobal.com/
marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/6g-wireless-
what-it-is-and-when-it-s-coming-62956538).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        III. COMMITTEE HEARINGS

    For the purposes of clause 3(c) of rule XIII of the Rules 
of the House of Representatives, the following hearings were 
used to develop or consider H.R. 4045:
    The Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a 
hearing on April 21, 2021, entitled ``Leading the Wireless 
Future: Securing American Network Technology.'' The 
Subcommittee received testimony from the following witnesses:
           John Baker, Senior Vice President, Business 
        Development; Mavenir;
           John Mezzalingua, Chief Executive Officer, 
        JMA Wireless;
           Tim Donovan, SVP, Legislative Affairs, 
        Competitive Carriers Association;
           Tareq Amin, EVP and Group Chief Technology 
        Officer, Rakuten Mobile; and
           Diane Rinaldo, Executive Director, Open RAN 
        Policy Coalition.
    The Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a 
legislative hearing on June 30, 2021, entitled ``A Safe 
Wireless Future: Securing our Networks and Supply Chains.'' The 
Subcommittee received testimony from the following witnesses:
           Dileep Srihari, Senior Policy Counsel, 
        Access Partnership;
           Dean Brenner, Senior Vice President--
        Spectrum Strategy and Tech Policy, Qualcomm 
        Incorporated;
           Jason Boswell, Head of Security, Network 
        Product Solutions, N.A., Ericsson; and
           Clete Johnson, Senior Fellow, Strategic 
        Technologies Program, Center for Strategic and 
        International Studies.

                      IV. COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

    H.R. 4045, the ``Future Uses of Technology Upholding 
Reliable and Enhanced Networks Act'' or ``FUTURE Networks 
Act,'' was introduced on June 22, 2021, by Representatives Mike 
Doyle (D-PA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), and Bill Johnson (R-OH), 
which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 
Subsequently, on June 23, 2021, H.R. 4045 was referred to the 
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. A legislative 
hearing was held on the bill on June 30, 2021.
    On July 20, 2021, the Subcommittee on Communications and 
Technology was discharged from further consideration of the 
bill. On July 21, 2021, the full Committee met in open markup 
session, pursuant to notice, to consider H.R. 4045 and 23 other 
bills. During consideration of the bill, an amendment in the 
nature of a substitute (AINS) offered by Representative Kelly 
(D-IL) was agreed to by a voice vote. Upon conclusion of 
consideration of the bill, the full Committee agreed to a 
motion on final passage offered by Representative Pallone (D-
NJ), Chairman of the Committee, to order H.R. 4045 reported 
favorably to the House, amended, by a voice vote.

                           V. COMMITTEE VOTES

    Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives requires the Committee to list each record vote 
on the motion to report legislation and amendments thereto. The 
Committee advises that there were no record votes taken on H.R. 
4045, including a motion by Mr. Pallone ordering H.R. 4045 
favorably reported to the House, amended.

                         VI. OVERSIGHT FINDINGS

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause 2(b)(1) 
of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the 
oversight findings and recommendations of the Committee are 
reflected in the descriptive portion of the report.

 VII. NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY, ENTITLEMENT AUTHORITY, AND TAX EXPENDITURES

    Pursuant to 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 
of Representatives, the Committee adopts as its own the 
estimate of new budget authority, entitlement authority, or tax 
expenditures or revenues contained in the cost estimate 
prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office 
pursuant to section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 
1974.
    The Committee has requested but not received from the 
Director of the Congressional Budget Office a statement as to 
whether this bill contains any new budget authority, spending 
authority, credit authority, or an increase or decrease in 
revenues or tax expenditures.

                    VIII. FEDERAL MANDATES STATEMENT

    The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal 
mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget 
Office pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act.

       IX. STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the general 
performance goal or objective of this legislation is to 
establish a task force on sixth-generation wireless technology 
at the Federal Communications Commission, to ensure experts, 
policymakers, and other stakeholders can proactively identify 
and address security, supply chain, and other issues in next 
generation wireless networks.

                   X. DUPLICATION OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(5) of rule XIII, no provision of 
H.R. 4045 is known to be duplicative of another Federal 
program, including any program that was included in a report to 
Congress pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139 or the 
most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.

                      XI. COMMITTEE COST ESTIMATE

    Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII, the Committee 
adopts as its own the cost estimate prepared by the Director of 
the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974.

    XII. EARMARKS, LIMITED TAX BENEFITS, AND LIMITED TARIFF BENEFITS

    Pursuant to clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI, the 
Committee finds that H.R. 4045 contains no earmarks, limited 
tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits.

                   XIII. ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

    No advisory committee within the meaning of section 5(b) of 
the Federal Advisory Committee Act was created by this 
legislation.

                XIV. APPLICABILITY TO LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

    The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to 
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public 
services or accommodations within the meaning of section 
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.

           XV. SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS OF THE LEGISLATION

Section 1. Short title

    Section 1 designates that the short title may be cited as 
the ``Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced 
Networks Act'', or the ``FUTURE Networks Act.''

Sec. 2. 6G Task Force

    Section 2 directs the Federal Communications Commission 
(Commission) to establish, within 120 days, a task force (Task 
Force) on 6G wireless networks.
    It provides that the Chair of the Commission (Chair) can 
appoint members to the Task Force, which, to the extent 
practicable, shall be composed of representatives from 
companies in the communications industry, except those 
companies determined by the Chair to be not trusted; 
representatives from public interest or academia, except from 
organizations or institutions determined by the Chair to be not 
trusted; and representatives of the Federal government, state 
and local government, and Tribal governments.
    The legislation also requires the Council to publish a 
report of its work, not later than one year after enactment of 
the Act, that addresses a number of issues, including the 
status of any standards-setting bodies working on 6G standards; 
identification of the limitations of 6G technology, including 
supply chain and cybersecurity, identified by the standard-
setting bodies; and possible uses of 6G identified by the 
standard-setting bodies. The legislation requires that a draft 
of the report be published within 120 days after the 
legislation is enacted, for public comment. The final report 
shall also be submitted to the Committee on Energy and Commerce 
in the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation in the United States Senate.
    Finally, the section defines terms used in the legislation, 
including ``not trusted.''

       XVI. CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

    There are no changes to existing law made by the bill H.R. 
4045.

                                  [all]