Summary of HR 2482: NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2025

Overview

Bill Number: HR 2482

Title: National Telecommunications and Information Administration Reauthorization Act of 2025

Introduced: March 31, 2025

Status: Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on April 29, 2025.

Primary Sponsors: Robert E. Latta (R-OH), Doris Matsui (D-CA)

Purpose and Intent

The NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which has not been reauthorized since 1992. The bill seeks to modernize the agency's structure and operations in response to its evolving mission and increased appropriations over the years.

Key Provisions

1. Funding Authorization:

   • The bill authorizes $57 million for the NTIA for both Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) and Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).

2. Elevation of Leadership:

   • The Administrator of the NTIA will be elevated from the position of Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to Under Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. This change aims to enhance the agency's authority and visibility.

3. Office Codification:

   • The bill codifies and provides direction for two key offices within the NTIA:
     • Office of Spectrum Management
     • Office of International Affairs

4. Streamlining Reporting Requirements:

   • Outdated and unnecessary statutory reporting requirements will be repealed, while redundant reports will be consolidated and streamlined to improve efficiency.

Impact

The reauthorization and restructuring of the NTIA are expected to:
- Enhance the agency's ability to manage telecommunications and information policy effectively.
- Improve Congressional oversight of the NTIA's activities.
- Facilitate better coordination in spectrum management and international telecommunications affairs.

Procedural Timeline

• March 31, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• April 8, 2025: Committee consideration and markup session held; ordered to be reported by voice vote.
• April 24, 2025: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce (H. Rept. 119-63).
• April 28, 2025: Passed in the House by voice vote after a period of debate.
• April 29, 2025: Received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Conclusion

The NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2025 represents a significant step toward modernizing the NTIA's role in telecommunications and information policy. By providing necessary funding, elevating leadership, and streamlining operations, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of the NTIA in a rapidly changing technological landscape.