C&T Hearing: Securing U.S. Leadership Of Communications Technology

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a bipartisan subcommittee hearing on March 10, 2026, focused on securing U.S. leadership in communications technology, particularly in preparation for the upcoming World Radio Communications Conference (WRC) 2027 hosted by China in Shanghai. The hearing emphasized the critical role of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the WRC in setting global spectrum allocation and satellite communication rules that impact U.S. economic competitiveness, national security, and technological innovation. Witnesses highlighted the need for early and unified U.S. interagency coordination among the FCC, NTIA, and State Department, robust diplomatic engagement with allies, and strong leadership to counter China's influence and protect American interests in spectrum policy and satellite services. The discussion also covered the importance of supporting American candidates for ITU leadership positions, modernizing outdated spectrum regulations, and ensuring that U.S. commercial space and satellite industries remain competitive globally. Members underscored the necessity of adequate resourcing, timely development of U.S. positions, and coalition-building to maintain U.S. technological dominance and safeguard national security in the face of strategic competition from China.