[Senate Report 117-75]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                     Calendar No. 194
117th Congress       }                           {            Report
                                 SENATE
 2d Session          }                           {            117-75
_______________________________________________________________________



                TELECOMMUNICATIONS SKILLED WORKFORCE ACT

                               __________

                              R E P O R T

                                 of the

           COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION

                                   on

                                 S. 163

	        [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]


               February 15, 2022.--Ordered to be printed
       
       
                               __________
                               
                               
                  U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE         
                               
29-010                     WASHINGTON : 2022              
       
       
       
       
       SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
                    one hundred seventeenth congress
                             second session

                   MARIA CANTWELL, Washington, Chair
AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota             ROGER WICKER, Mississippi
RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut      JOHN THUNE, South Dakota
BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii                 ROY BLUNT, Missouri
EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts         TED CRUZ, Texas
GARY PETERS, Michigan                DEB FISCHER, Nebraska
TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin             JERRY MORAN, Kansas
TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois            DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska
JON TESTER, Montana                  MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
KYRSTEN SINEMA, Arizona              TODD YOUNG, Indiana
JACKY ROSEN, Nevada                  MIKE LEE, Utah
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico            RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin
JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado          SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia

RAPHAEL WARNOCK, Georgia             RICK SCOTT, Florida
                                     CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming
                 Melissa Porter, Acting Staff Director
                  John Keast, Minority Staff Director



                                                     Calendar No. 194
117th Congress       }                           {            Report
                                 SENATE
 2d Session          }                           {            117-75

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



 
                TELECOMMUNICATIONS SKILLED WORKFORCE ACT

                                _______
                                

               February 15, 2022.--Ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

      Ms. Cantwell, from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation, submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                         [To accompany S. 163]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

    The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, to 
which was referred the bill (S. 163) to address the workforce 
needs of the telecommunications industry, having considered the 
same, reports favorably thereon with an amendment (in the 
nature of a substitute) and recommends that the bill (as 
amended) do pass.

                          Purpose of the Bill

    S. 163, as reported, would direct the Federal 
Communications Commission (FCC) to establish an interagency 
working group to explore and make recommendations on various 
issues with respect to the workforce needs of the 
telecommunications industry. Additionally, the bill would 
direct the Department of Labor (DOL) to develop guidance to 
help States address telecommunications workforce issues, and it 
would commission a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study 
of the workforce needs of the telecommunications industry.

                          Background and Needs

    In recent years, the Federal Government and the 
telecommunications industry have invested heavily in building 
out broadband infrastructure and deploying 5G networks.\1\ But 
achieving the goals of closing the digital divide and reaping 
the benefits of 5G requires a workforce capable of building and 
maintaining this new infrastructure. One estimate suggests that 
the number of broadband-related technicians could increase ``by 
20,000 in the next ten years in order to accommodate the 
broadcast repack and produce the expansion of universal 
broadband, public safety, and 5G across North America.''\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\Mike Saperstein, ``Broadband Investment Remains High in 2019'', 
USTelecom, December 23, 2020 (https://www.ustelecom.org/research/
broadband-investment-remains-high-in-2019/); ``Building the 5G 
Economy'', CTIA, January 25, 2021 (https://www.ctia.org/news/report-
building-the-5g-economy-wireless-industry-plan-to-invest-and-innovate-
in-the-united-states).
    \2\Federal Communications Commission, Broadband Deployment Advisory 
Committee, Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Job Skills and Training 
Opportunities Working Group 
Report, October 29, 2020 (https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/bdac-
job-skills-training-
opportunities-approved-rec-10292020.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    However, despite the promise of more job openings, industry 
representatives say that the telecommunications sector is 
facing a shortage of skilled workers.\3\ Government, industry, 
and educational institutions have all taken action to develop a 
higher-skilled telecommunications workforce.\4\ Still, many 
industry stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to 
do more to address the shortage of skilled labor in the 
telecommunications industry. Several Government agencies have 
responded to those calls, including the FCC, which asked its 
Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee to examine the skilled 
workforce gap in the country.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \3\``Telecom Industry Unites Behind Call for Broadband Workforce 
Development to White House, Congress'', WIA, January 27, 2021 ( https:/
/wia.org/telecom-industry-unites-behind-call-for-broadband-workforce-
development-to-white-house-congress/); letter from industry officials 
to President Biden, January 27, 2021 (https://wia.org/wp-content/
uploads/workforce-letter-jan-2021_biden_final.pdf). This group of 
industry officials also sent letters to congressional leaders.
    \4\For examples of telecommunications workforce development 
initiatives, see the FCC's Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee's 
Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Job Skills and Training 
Opportunities Working Group Report, October 29, 2020 (https://
www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/bdac-job-skills-training-opportunities-
approved-rec-10292020.pdf).
    \5\Justin Faulb, et al., Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee 
Overview at 15-16, June 13, 2019, Federal Communications Commission 
(https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/bdac-
overview-06132019.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    An important component of Federal workforce development 
policy includes apprenticeships and programs that train workers 
for a specific occupation using a structured combination of 
paid on-the-job training and related instruction. Indeed, 
witnesses at a January 2020 Senate Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation hearing on the telecommunications 
workforce highlighted the importance of these programs to 
filling these jobs. One such program is the Telecommunications 
Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP), a joint 
venture of the DOL, Government agencies, and the 
telecommunications industry, to develop registered 
apprenticeship programs for career development of the 
communications workforce.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \6\An apprenticeship that is registered is one that is certified by 
DOL (or by a DOL-recognized State agency) as being in compliance with 
applicable standards for such programs, and consists of a documented 
plan designed to move an apprentice from a low or no skill entry-level 
position to full occupational proficiency ( https://www.tirap.org/
tirap-press-release-telecommunications-consortium-teaming-dol-fcc-
public-private-workforce-training-initiative/); see also (https://
www.tirap.org/) and Fact Sheet: Telecommunications Industry Registered 
Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP), Department of Labor (https://
www.doleta.gov/oa/pdf/TIRAP.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Although these discrete efforts have been undertaken to 
address telecommunications skilled workforce issues, some have 
noted that there seems to be no comprehensive Federal strategy 
to address these issues. S. 163, as reported, would establish 
for the first time a formal interagency working group to 
examine telecommunications skilled workforce issues. The bill 
would do three important things. First, it would direct GAO to 
study and estimate the skilled workforce needs of the 
telecommunications industry. Second, it would direct the FCC to 
establish a formal working group made up of members named by 
various Federal agencies to make recommendations on how to meet 
the workforce and safety needs of the telecommunications 
industry. Finally, it would direct DOL to issue guidance to 
States on how they can help address telecommunications skilled 
workforce and safety needs in their State.

                          Legislative History

    S. 163 was introduced on February 2, 2021, by Senator Thune 
(for himself and Senators Tester, Peters, Wicker, and Moran), 
and was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate. On April 28, 2021, the Committee 
met in open Executive Session and, by voice vote, ordered S. 
163 reported favorably with an amendment (in the nature of a 
substitute). Senator Warnock became an additional cosponsor on 
July 20, 2021.
    S. 163 is substantially similar to H.R. 1032, which was 
introduced in the House of Representatives on February 11, 
2021, by Representative Tim Walberg (for himself and 
Representatives Yvette Clark and Greg Pence). H.R. 1032 was 
referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House 
of Representatives.
    S. 163 also is substantially similar to S. 3355 from the 
116th Congress. S. 3355 was introduced on February 27, 2020, by 
Senator Thune (for himself and Senators Tester, Moran, Peters, 
and Wicker) and was referred to the Committee on Health, 
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate. Unlike S. 163, S. 
3355 directed the Secretary of Labor to create the working 
group on the workforce needs of the telecommunications industry 
required by the legislation.

Hearing

    On January 22, 2020, the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation held a hearing on telecommunications 
workforce issues, among other obstacles to broadband 
deployment.

                            Estimated Costs

    In accordance with paragraph 11(a) of rule XXVI of the 
Standing Rules of the Senate and section 403 of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee provides the 
following cost estimate, prepared by the Congressional Budget 
Office:

                                     U.S. Congress,
                               Congressional Budget Office,
                                      Washington, DC, May 20, 2021.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Chairwoman, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. 
        Senate, Washington, DC.
    Dear Madam Chairwoman: The Congressional Budget Office has 
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for S. 163, the 
Telecommunications Skilled Workforce Act.
    If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is David Hughes.
            Sincerely,
                                         Phillip L. Swagel,
                                                          Director.
    Enclosure.

    		[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
    

    S. 163 would require the Federal Communications Commission 
(FCC) to establish an interagency working group to develop 
recommendations that address the workforce needs of the 
telecommunications industry and report its findings to the 
Congress. The bill also would direct the Department of Labor 
(DOL) to issue guidance on how state workforce development 
boards can support the telecommunications industry. Finally, 
the Government Accountability Office (GAO) would be required to 
report to the Congress on the number of telecommunications 
workers needed to build and maintain broadband infrastructure 
in rural areas.
    In total, CBO estimates that implementing S. 163 would cost 
less than $500,000 over the 2021-2026 period; any spending 
would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
    Using information from the FCC, CBO expects that one 
employee would be needed for one year, at a cost of about 
$200,000, to support the working group. However, because the 
FCC is authorized to collect fees each year sufficient to 
offset the costs of its regulatory activities, CBO estimates 
that the net cost to the FCC would be negligible, assuming 
appropriation actions consistent with that authority.
    Based on information provided by the agencies for similar 
proposals, CBO estimates the costs for DOL to issue the 
required guidance and for GAO to complete the required report 
would be insignificant.
    If the FCC increases annual fee collections to offset the 
costs of implementing provisions in the bill, S. 163 would 
increase the cost of an existing private-sector mandate on 
entities required to pay those fees. CBO estimates that the 
incremental cost of the mandate would be small and would fall 
well below the annual threshold established in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act for private-sector mandates ($170 million 
in 2021, adjusted annually for inflation).
    The bill contains no intergovernmental mandates.
    The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are David Hughes 
(for the FCC), Meredith Decker (for DOL), and Rachel Austin 
(for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel 
Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

                      Regulatory Impact Statement

    Because S. 163 does not create any new programs, the 
legislation will have no additional regulatory impact, and will 
result in no additional reporting requirements. The legislation 
will have no further effect on the number or types of 
individuals and businesses regulated, the economic impact of 
such regulation, the personal privacy of affected individuals, 
or the paperwork required from such individuals and businesses.
    S. 163 would create a new working group to consider skilled 
workforce issues in the telecommunications industry, and impose 
on that working group certain reporting requirements. It also 
directs GAO to prepare a report on the workforce needs of the 
telecommunications industry.

                   Congressionally Directed Spending

    In compliance with paragraph 4(b) of rule XLIV of the 
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee provides that no 
provisions contained in the bill, as reported, meet the 
definition of congressionally directed spending items under the 
rule.

                      Section-by-Section Analysis


Section 1. Short title.

    This section would provide that the Act may be cited as the 
``Telecommunications Skilled Workforce Act''.

Section 2. Telecommunications interagency working group.

    Subsection (a) of section 2 would add a new section 344 to 
the Communications Act of 1934\7\ establishing an interagency 
working group to develop recommendations on telecommunications 
skilled workforce issues, including worker safety.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \7\47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subsection (a) of the new section 344 would define the term 
``telecommunications interagency working group'' for purposes 
of the section as the working group established under 
subsection (b) of section 344.
    Subsection (b) of the new section 344 would direct the FCC, 
in consultation with DOL, to establish the interagency working 
group within 60 days of enactment. The subsection further 
provides that the working group shall be considered established 
on the date on which a majority of its members have been 
appointed consistent with section 344.
    Subsection (c) of the new section 344 would set forth the 
duties of the telecommunications interagency working group. 
Specifically, in developing recommendations related to 
telecommunications skilled workforce issues, the working group 
must do the following:
    Determine whether, and how, Federal laws, 
        regulations, guidance, policies, practices or budgetary 
        constraints inhibit institutions of higher education or 
        for-profit businesses from establishing, adopting, or 
        expanding programs to address telecommunications 
        industry workforce needs, including those related to 5G 
        infrastructure;
    Identify potential policies and programs to 
        encourage and improve Federal agency, Federal/State, 
        and inter-State coordination on telecommunications 
        industry workforce needs;
    Examine how Federal programs, including those 
        related to employment of veterans and transitioning 
        military personnel, could be used to address 
        telecommunications industry workforce needs;
    Identify ways to encourage individuals and 
        businesses to participate in qualified industry-led 
        workforce development programs;
    Identify ways to improve recruitment in qualified 
        industry-led workforce development programs;
    Identify Federal incentives that could be provided 
        to institutions of higher education, for-profit 
        businesses, State workforce development boards, or 
        other stakeholders to establish new, or adopt existing, 
        programs to address telecommunications industry 
        workforce needs, including such needs in rural areas; 
        and
    Identify ways to improve the safety of 
        telecommunications workers, including tower climbers.
    Subsection (d) of new section 344 sets forth in detail the 
members of the telecommunications interagency working group, 
including identifying what Federal official will be responsible 
for naming each member. Members of the working group would 
include representatives from the Department of Education, the 
National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the 
FCC, a telecommunications industry association, an Indian Tribe 
or Tribal organization, a rural telecommunications carrier, a 
telecommunications contractor firm, a minority institution, a 
public interest advocate for tower climber safety, the 
Directorate of Construction of the Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, and a labor organization representing 
the telecommunications industry.
    Subsection (e) of new section 344 provides that the members 
of the telecommunications interagency working group shall serve 
without compensation.
    Subsection (f) of new section 344 addresses several other 
issues related to the operation of the telecommunications 
interagency working group. First, it provides that the working 
group shall name a chair and vice chair, who will be 
responsible for organizing the business of the working group. 
Second, it provides that the chair and vice chair, in 
consultation with the other members of the working group, may 
establish subgroups to help conduct the work of the working 
group. Finally, it states that the FCC and DOL may detail 
employees of those agencies to assist and support the work of 
the working group.
    Subsection (g) of new section 344 directs the 
telecommunications interagency working group to submit a report 
to Congress containing its recommendations within 1 year of its 
establishment. The subsection includes a list of the 
congressional committees that should receive a copy of the 
working group's report, along with the FCC and DOL. Subsection 
(g) further states that the report should be posted on the 
websites of both the FCC and DOL. Additionally, the subsection 
provides that the report required by the subsection may not be 
submitted unless it has the support of the majority of the 
members of the working group, and the report should include any 
concurring or dissenting views offered by a member of the 
working group, which must include identification of the member 
who submitted such views. The subsection would also require the 
FCC and DOL to make a copy of the report publicly available on 
their websites.
    Subsection (h) of new section 344 provides that the 
telecommunications interagency working group shall not be 
subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \8\5 U.S.C. App.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subsection (b) of section 2 would provide that new section 
344 of the Communications Act of 1934,\9\ as added by 
subsection (a) of section 2, shall be repealed on the day after 
the date on which the telecommunications interagency working 
group submits its report consistent with subsection (g) of such 
new section 344.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \9\47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 3. Telecommunications workforce guidance.

    This section would direct the Secretary of Labor, in 
consultation with the chairperson of the FCC, to develop 
guidance for States on how they can address the workforce and 
safety needs of the telecommunications industry. The guidance 
would include information on how a State workforce development 
board established under section 101 of the Workforce Innovation 
and Opportunity Act\10\ can (1) utilize Federal resources to 
meet telecommunications workforce needs; (2) promote and 
improve recruitment in qualified industry-led workforce 
development programs; and (3) ensure the safety of 
telecommunications workers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \10\29 U.S.C. 3111.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 4. GAO assessment of workforce needs of the telecommunications 
        industry.

    This section would direct GAO to prepare a report 
estimating the number of skilled telecommunications workers 
needed to build and maintain (1) broadband infrastructure in 
rural areas based on both current need and if Congress passes 
legislation that accelerates broadband infrastructure 
construction in the Nation; and (2) the wireless infrastructure 
needed to support 5G wireless technology. The report must be 
submitted to the appropriate congressional committees (as that 
term is defined in the section) within 180 days of enactment. 
The Committee encourages GAO to seek input from a wide variety 
of stakeholders regarding the report required by this section.

                        Changes in Existing Law

    In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the 
Standing Rules of the Senate, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
material is printed in italic, existing law in which no change 
is proposed is shown in roman):

COMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1934

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


            TITLE III--SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO RADIO

PART I--GENERAL PROVISIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                        [47 U.S.C. 301 et seq.]

SEC. 344. TELECOMMUNICATIONS INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.

    (a) Definition.--In this section, the term 
``telecommunications interagency working group'' means the 
interagency working group established under subsection (b)(1).
    (b) EstablishmenT.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the 
        date of enactment of this section, the Chairman of the 
        Commission, in consultation with the Secretary of 
        Labor, shall establish within the Commission an 
        interagency working group to develop recommendations to 
        address the workforce needs of the telecommunications 
        industry, including the safety of that workforce.
            (2) Date of establishment.--The telecommunications 
        interagency working group shall be considered 
        established on the date on which a majority of the 
        members of the telecommunications interagency working 
        group have been appointed, consistent with subsection 
        (d).
    (c) Duties.--In developing recommendations under subsection 
(b), the telecommunications interagency working group shall--
            (1) determine whether, and if so how, any Federal 
        laws, regulations, guidance, policies, or practices, or 
        any budgetary constraints, inhibit institutions of 
        higher education (as defined in section 101 of the 
        Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) or for-
        profit businesses from establishing, adopting, or 
        expanding programs intended to address the workforce 
        needs of the telecommunications industry, including the 
        workforce needed to build and maintain the 5G wireless 
        infrastructure necessary to support 5G wireless 
        technology;
            (2) identify potential policies and programs that 
        could encourage and improve coordination among Federal 
        agencies, between Federal agencies and States, and 
        among States, on telecommunications workforce needs;
            (3) identify ways in which existing Federal 
        programs, including programs that help facilitate the 
        employment of veterans and military personnel 
        transitioning into civilian life, could be leveraged to 
        help address the workforce needs of the 
        telecommunications industry;
            (4) identify ways to encourage individuals and for-
        profit businesses to participate in qualified industry-
        led workforce development programs, including the 
        Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship 
        Program;
            (5) identify ways to improve recruitment in 
        qualified industry-led workforce development programs, 
        including the Telecommunications Industry Registered 
        Apprenticeship Program and other industry-recognized 
        apprenticeship programs;
            (6) identify Federal incentives that could be 
        provided to institutions of higher education, for-
        profit businesses, State workforce development boards 
        established under section 101 of the Workforce 
        Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111), or 
        other relevant stakeholders to establish or adopt new 
        programs, or expand current programs, to address the 
        workforce needs of the telecommunications industry, 
        including such needs in rural areas; and
            (7) identify ways to improve the safety of 
        telecommunications workers, including tower climbers.
    (d) Members.--The telecommunications interagency working 
group shall be composed of the following representatives of 
Federal agencies and relevant non-Federal industry stakeholder 
organizations:
            (1) A representative of the Department of 
        Education, appointed by the Secretary of Education.
            (2) A representative of the National 
        Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
        appointed by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for 
        Communications and Information.
            (3) A representative of the Commission, appointed 
        by the Chairman of the Commission.
            (4) A representative of the Telecommunications 
        Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program, appointed 
        by the Secretary of Labor.
            (5) A representative of a telecommunications 
        industry association, appointed by the Chairman of the 
        Commission.
            (6) A representative of an Indian Tribe or Tribal 
        organization, appointed by the Chairman of the 
        Commission.
            (7) A representative of a rural telecommunications 
        carrier, appointed by the Chairman of the Commission.
            (8) A representative of a telecommunications 
        contractor firm, appointed by the Chairman of the 
        Commission.
            (9) A representative of a minority institution (as 
        defined in section 365 of the Higher Education Act of 
        1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067k)), appointed by the Secretary of 
        Education.
            (10) A public interest advocate for tower climber 
        safety, appointed by the Chairman of the Commission.
            (11) A representative of the Directorate of 
        Construction of the Occupational Safety and Health 
        Administration, appointed by the Secretary of Labor.
            (12) A representative of a labor organization 
        representing the telecommunications workforce, 
        appointed by the Chairman of the Commission.
    (e) No Compensation.--A member of the telecommunications 
interagency working group shall serve without compensation.
    (f) Other Matters.--
            (1) Chair and vice chair.--The telecommunications 
        interagency working group shall name a chair and a vice 
        chair, who shall be responsible for organizing the 
        business of the telecommunications interagency working 
        group.
            (2) Subgroups.--The chair and vice chair of the 
        telecommunications interagency working group, in 
        consultation with the other members of the 
        telecommunications interagency working group, may 
        establish such subgroups as necessary to help conduct 
        the work of the telecommunications interagency working 
        group.
            (3) Support.--The Commission or the Secretary of 
        Labor may detail an employee of the Commission or the 
        Department of Labor, respectively, to assist and 
        support the work of the telecommunications interagency 
        working group, though such a detailee shall not be 
        considered to be a member of the telecommunications 
        interagency working group.
    (g) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the 
        date on which the telecommunications interagency 
        working group is established, the telecommunications 
        interagency working group shall submit a report 
        containing its recommendations to address the workforce 
        needs of the telecommunications industry to--
                    (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation of the Senate;
                    (B) the Committee on Health, Education, 
                Labor, and Pensions of the Senate;
                    (C) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of 
                the House of Representatives;
                    (D) the Committee on Education and Labor of 
                the House of Representatives;
                    (E) the Secretary of Labor; and
                    (F) the Commission.
            (2) Majority support.--The telecommunications 
        interagency working group may not submit the report 
        under paragraph (1) unless the report has the support 
        of not less than the majority of the members of the 
        telecommunications interagency working group.
            (3) Views.--The telecommunications interagency 
        working group shall--
                    (A) include with the report submitted under 
                paragraph (1) any concurring or dissenting view 
                offered by a member of the telecommunications 
                interagency working group; and
                    (B) identify each member to whom each 
                concurring or dissenting view described in 
                subparagraph (A) should be attributed.
            (4) Public posting.--The Commission and the 
        Secretary of Labor shall make a copy of the report 
        submitted under paragraph (1) available to the public 
        on the websites of the Commission and the Department of 
        Labor, respectively.
    (h) Nonapplicability of FACA.--The Federal Advisory 
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the 
telecommunications interagency working group.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                                  [all]