S.Hrg.119-236

1[Senate Hearing 119-236]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34                                                        S. Hrg. 119-23656                      NOMINATION OF ARIELLE ROTH,7                  NOMINEE TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF8                    COMMERCE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND9                INFORMATION, NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS10                     AND INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION1112=======================================================================1314                                HEARING1516                               before the1718                         COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,19                      SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION20                          UNITED STATES SENATE2122                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS2324                             FIRST SESSION2526                               __________2728                             MARCH 27, 20252930                               __________3132    Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and33                             Transportation3435     [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILANLE IN TIFF FORMAT3637                Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov3839                     U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE4062-231 PDF                     WASHINGTON : 20264142       SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION4344                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS4546                             FIRST SESSION4748                       TED CRUZ, Texas, Chairman49JOHN THUNE, South Dakota             MARIA CANTWELL, Washington,50ROGER WICKER, Mississippi                Ranking51DEB FISCHER, Nebraska                AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota52JERRY MORAN, Kansas                  BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii53DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska                 EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts54MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee          GARY PETERS, Michigan55TODD YOUNG, Indiana                  TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin56TED BUDD, North Carolina             TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois57ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri               JACKY ROSEN, Nevada58JOHN CURTIS, Utah                    BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico59BERNIE MORENO, Ohio                  JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado60TIM SHEEHY, Montana                  JOHN FETTERMAN, Pennsylvania61SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia  ANDY KIM, New Jersey62CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming              LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, Delaware63                 Brad Grantz, Republican Staff Director64           Nicole Christus, Republican Deputy Staff Director65                     Liam McKenna, General Counsel66                   Lila Harper Helms, Staff Director67                 Melissa Porter, Deputy Staff Director68                     Jonathan Hale, General Counsel69                            C O N T E N T S7071                              ----------72                                                                   Page73Hearing held on March 27, 2025...................................     174Statement of Senator Cruz........................................     175    Letter to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Mark76      Niemeyer, President, Western Fire Chiefs Association.......    4277    Letter dated February 4, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz from Todd78      Schlekeway, President and CEO, NATE........................    4379    Letter dated February 18, 2025 to Hon. John Thune, Hon. Chuck80      Schumer, Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Nathan81      Leamer, Executive Director, Digital First Project; Ryan82      Walker, Executive Vice President, Heritage Action; Harold83      Furchtgott-Roth, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for the84      Economics of the Internet, Hudson Institute; Todd85      Schlekeway, President and CEO, NATE: The Communications86      Infrastructure Contractors Association; Mike O'Rielly,87      Senior Fellow, Free State Foundation; David Williams,88      President, Taxpayers Protection Alliance; Evan89      Swarztrauber, Senior Fellow, Foundation for American90      Innovation; Tom Hebert, Executive Director, Open91      Competition Center; Paul Winfree, PhD, President & CEO,92      Economic Policy Innovation Center; Terry Schilling,93      President, American Principles Project; James Erwin,94      Executive Director, Digital Liberty; Gerard Scimeca,95      Chairman, Consumer Action for a Strong Economy; Clare96      Morrell, Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Commission; Jeff97      Mazzella, President, Center For Individual Freedom; Aiden98      Buzzetti, President, Bull Moose Project; Yael Ossowski,99      Deputy Director, Consumer Choice Center; Ian Adams,100      Executive Director, International Center for Lawand101      Economics; Caden Rosenbaum, Senior Policy Analyst, Libertas102      Institute; and Ashley Baker, Director of Public Policy,103      Committee For Justice......................................    44104    Letter dated February 28, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon.105      Maria Cantwell from James Erwin, Executive Director,106      Digital Liberty............................................    47107    Letter dated March 4, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria108      Cantwell from Jeffrey D. Shoaf, Chief Executive Officer,109      Associated General Contractors Association (AGC)...........    49110    Letter dated March 4, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria111      Cantwell from ACT | The App Association, Alliance for112      Telecommunications Industry Solutions, CEDIA, Consumer113      Technology Association, CTIA--The Wireless Association, GPS114      Innovation Alliance, INCOMPAS, Internet Infrastructure115      Coalition, Information Technology Industry Council,116      Institute for Education, USTelecom, TechNet, Wireless117      Infrastructure Association, and XR Association.............    50118    Letter dted March 7, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria119      Cantwell from Shirley Bloomfield, Chief Executive Officer,120      NTCA--The Rural Broadband Association......................    52121    Letter dated March 20, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria122      Cantwell from Grant Spellmeyer, President and CEO, ACA123      Connects: America's Communication Association..............    53124    Letter dated March 21, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria125      Cantwell from David Zumwalt, President and CEO, WISPA--126      Broadband Without Boundaries...............................    55127    Letter dated March 24, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz from Curtis J.128      LeGeyt, President and CEO, National Association of129      Broadcasters...............................................    57130    Letter dated March 24, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Honn. Maria131      Cantwell from Jonathan Spalter, President and Chief132      Executive Officer, USTelecom...............................    58133    Letter dated March 25, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Honn. Maria134      Cantwell from Fire Chief Josh Waldo, CFO, EFO IAFC135      President and Board Chair 2024-2025........................    59136    Letter dated March 25, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria137      Cantwell from Michael K. Powell, President and CEO, NCTA--138      The Internet & Television Association......................    60139    Letter dated March 26, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria140      Cantwell from Patrick Yoes, National President, Fraternal141      Order of Police............................................    61142Statement of Senator Cantwell....................................     3143Statement of Senator Klobuchar...................................    18144Statement of Senator Baldwin.....................................    19145Statement of Senator Moreno......................................    21146Statement of Senator Kim.........................................    22147Statement of Senator Blunt Rochester.............................    24148Statement of Senator Markey......................................    25149    Article from Bloomberg dated March 25, 2025 entitled ``Musk's150      Broadband Satellites Have Long-TermCosts, States Say'' by151      Kelcee Griffis.............................................    28152Statement of Senator Hickenlooper................................    33153Statement of Senator Peters......................................    35154155                               Witnesses156157Hon. Roy Blunt, U.S. Senator from Missouri.......................     4158Arielle Roth, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for159  Communications and Information, National Telecommunications and160  Information Administration.....................................     6161    Prepared statement...........................................     7162    Biographical information.....................................     8163164                                Appendix165166Response to written questions submitted to Arielle Roth by:167    Hon. John Thune..............................................    63168    Hon. Deb Fischer.............................................    64169    Hon. Dan Sullivan............................................    65170    Hon. Shelley Moore Capito....................................    66171    Hon. Maria Cantwell..........................................    68172    Hon. Brian Schatz............................................    81173    Hon. Edward Markey...........................................    83174    Hon. Gary Peters.............................................    85175    Hon. Tammy Baldwin...........................................    86176    Hon. Jacky Rosen.............................................    86177    Hon. Ben Ray Lujan...........................................    89178    Hon. John Hickenlooper.......................................    91179    Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester....................................    91180181                      NOMINATION OF ARIELLE ROTH,182183                   NOMINEE TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY184185                     OF COMMERCE FOR COMMUNICATIONS186187                       AND INFORMATION, NATIONAL188189                         TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND190191                       INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION192193                              ----------194195                        THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025196197                                       U.S. Senate,198        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,199                                                    Washington, DC.200    The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:15 p.m., in201room SR-253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Ted Cruz,202Chairman of the Committee, presiding.203    Present: Senators Cruz, Fischer, Moran, Young, Moreno,204Sheehy, Cantwell, Klobuchar, Markey, Peters, Baldwin, Rosen,205Hickenlooper, Kim, and Blunt Rochester.206207              OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. TED CRUZ,208                    U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS209210    Chairman Cruz. Good morning. This hearing will come to211order.212    Today, I am delighted to say we are considering the213nomination of Arielle Roth to be the Assistant Secretary of214Commerce for Communications and Information. If confirmed, Ms.215Roth will lead the National Telecommunications and Information216Administration, the NTIA, at the Department of Commerce and217will advise the President on telecommunications and information218policy.219    As folks here know, Arielle is an esteemed member of the220Republican staff on this Committee. I am not sure I have ever221met someone as passionate about telecommunications law and222policy as Arielle. Her work ethic is indefatigable and only223rivaled by her dedication to public service. If she is224confirmed, President Trump's administration will be blessed to225be getting her great talents.226    For more than two years, Arielle has done an exceptional227job as our telecommunications policy director. She has led our228efforts to promote affordable connectivity, to protect the229taxpayer against wasteful spending, and to promote economic230innovation in telecom. And as a mother, she has been a tireless231advocate for protecting children from excessive screen time and232online harms.233    If confirmed, Arielle will play an integral role in the234management of the Federal Government's use of the235electromagnetic spectrum. She will work closely with Federal236agencies to protect critical uses of spectrum--whether for237national defense, weather forecasting, or transportation--while238identifying opportunities to free up spectrum for commercial239use. As I have stated before, American leadership in spectrum240is vital to the security of global telecommunications networks,241our own national security, and our economic success.242    NTIA also plays a crucial role in administering billions of243dollars for Federal broadband programs like the Broadband244Equity, Access, and Deployment, the BEAD program. Due to245inaction and ideological handwringing by the previous246administration, to date, BEAD has not connected even a single247American to high-speed Internet service. Hear that again--$42248billion to connect zero human beings.249    This is the result of prioritizing partisan requirements250like ``climate resiliency'' and rate regulation over actually251connecting those who are offline. Such requirements--which were252never approved by Congress or codified in statute--had253virtually nothing to do with BEAD's intended purpose. Now we254have an opportunity to strip away the fluff and to redirect the255program back to its core mission of connecting Americans to256broadband.257    Arielle's qualifications show that she is the right person258for this job. Her telecommunication experience dates back to259her time as a legal fellow at the Hudson Institute Center for260Economics of the Internet. Then, for four years, Ms. Roth261served at the Federal Communications Commission as the Wireless262Advisor for then-Commissioner Michael O'Rielly.263    Ms. Roth next turned to Congress, where she worked on264telecommunications policy at the House Energy and Commerce265Committee, and later as legislative counsel to our friend,266Senator Roy Blunt, a long-serving former member of this267Committee who has come back to join us today.268    Simply put, her experience, both in Congress and at the269FCC, makes her ideally suited to lead NTIA.270    I have received letters of support for Ms. Roth from major271telecommunications groups representing sectors from radio to272Internet to broadband. I wholeheartedly support her273confirmation and look forward to hearing more about her274approach to managing NTIA. And I would note that she is joined275by her beautiful family--her husband, her five children, and276number six, which could arrive at any time, including during277this hearing. So I am going to ask all of my colleagues to be278gentle unless we have to call our colleague, Roger Marshall, to279deliver a child during a confirmation hearing. But I am hopeful280the timing will not exactly----281    Senator Cantwell. I thought he was an ophthalmologist.282    [Laughter.]283    Chairman Cruz. No, no, no. Roger has delivered like 5,000284babies.285    Senator Klobuchar. That is Rand Paul.286    Chairman Cruz. That is Rand. Rand would do eye surgery,287which would not be the right response. But Roger would be up to288the task.289    And with that I recognize the Ranking Member for her290opening remarks.291292               STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,293                  U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON294295    Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and296congratulations on your nomination. Welcome to your family, all297coordinated there, and this crucial role that NTIA plays in298administering billions of dollars in broadband expansion and299managing the use of Federal spectrum. You have a good advocate300next to you, who we miss having here on the Committee, and we301look forward to hearing from Senator Blunt in a few minutes.302    Ms. Roth, I expect to have a very substantive conversation303about your vision and priorities for NTIA. I want to hear from304you about your plans for leading this agency. You have worked305on and spoken publicly about many of these issues for several306years, so I expect we can have that robust discussion.307    The $42 billion BEAD Equity, Access, and Development308program I am sure is top of mind for many members here today,309as it is for me. But just to clarify, when Senator Wicker and I310were working together as the Chair and Ranking Member for this311Committee, we did not pass this legislation out of Committee.312It was worked by a group of bipartisan members on the Senate313floor. I think it is safe to say that both Senator Wicker and I314objected to that process, because we thought the Committee of315jurisdiction should be listened to, and that there would be316some haphazardness with the program as it then would be317implemented.318    In my home state, where Microsoft has better broadband maps319than the FCC, it is frustrating to my constituents, but we do320not agree with Secretary Lutnick's announcement to just clear321out the changes to the broadband program. One of the proposals322in the broadband program we think is being worked successfully323is the Middle Mile Program, by our colleague Senator Rosen and324others, that was also sponsored by myself and the Senator from325West Virginia, because we think that fiber broadband is a326really good solution for lots of different reasons, certainly327on the security level.328    So we do believe that changes could undermine the goals of329helping states achieve these goals and connect all their330residents. I hope that you will commit today to allowing states331to proceed, not just Washington or states like Delaware,332Nevada, and Louisiana, which are ready to do shovel-ready333projects, but hear from you about how you see those plans being334carried out.335    My concerns about delays and uncertainty of the program is336that while Elon Musk and others have solutions in the337marketplace--they certainly have been deployed in my state--338people want to understand and make sure there are not conflicts339of interest there and want to understand how those policies and340prospects are going to be dealt with.341    I am also concerned that President Trump's tariffs will342impact the cost of materials and ultimately cost us more in343driving up broadband costs. A new study by344Pricewaterhousecoopers indicates that the proposed tariffs345could cost about $126 billion or more across the technology and346telecommunications sector. Ultimately tariffs mean higher347costs, and higher costs mean the dollars will not go as far.348    Also, the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is of great349interest. It is critical to advancing broadband deployment on350Tribal lands as well as important Internet adoptions and skill351rates. Nineteen Tribes in Washington have received funds from352the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program to ensure that high-353speed, reliable Internet is affordable across Tribal Indian354Country. So there is also about $1 billion left to award, and355NTIA must expeditiously, in my opinion, award those Tribal356dollars.357    Mr. Chairman, there are many times that this Committee and358the Indian Affairs Committee go back and forth over this, I359would say that the summation of this has been a lot of360frustration about telecom policy not getting carried out in361Indian Country, and then they are being the more directive $2362billion program that was part of the BEAD package saying to363NTIA, ``No, no, no. You do this. We want direct364accountability.'' So we will want to hear about that direct365accountability in Indian Country.366    There are other issues that we would like to hear about,367particularly on the issue of cybersecurity and cyberattacks,368including the one at Sea-Tac Airport and the nationwide Salt369Typhoon attack. These are just only increasing in frequency.370    NTIA is also responsible for managing spectrum, as you371mentioned, Mr. Chairman, and this job that Ms. Roth is seeking372will serve as the President's principal advisor on these373issues. I have long advocated for an evidence-based approach to374spectrum management and the many challenges we face. During the375first Trump administration, the race to bring spectrum to376commercial market without proper studies or interagency377coordination, most notably auctioning of the C-band for 5G378without coordination with the FAA. The risk of this379interference and confusion that it means to grounding flights380is something we need to avoid in the future.381    We also need to have a clear conversation about our382national security interests. And I know that this is something383that Ms. Roth has had a lot of attention on, as here in the384Committee we have had a discussion about middle-band spectrum.385So I look forward to asking you about how we preserve our386national security agenda. That is why I believe that the NTIA387Administrator on this issue is so critically important. There388is a lot to do to achieve security and competitiveness for our389Nation.390    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.391    Chairman Cruz. Thank you. I now recognize our friend and392former colleague, the Senator from the great state of Missouri,393Roy Blunt. And I would note that when he was here one of the394things that Senator Blunt took the lead on was renovating this395hearing room. And as Ranking Member Cantwell observed, he built396this fancy dais with all this high tech here, and she said she397suggested at the time we should put a plaque naming this the398Blunt Dais, and I think that is an excellent idea. And I am399hereby instructing my staff to make it happen, because it is a400great idea.401    And with that, Senator Blunt, you are recognized to402introduce the nominee.403404                 STATEMENT OF HON. ROY BLUNT,405                   U.S. SENATOR FROM MISSOURI406407    Senator Blunt. Thank you. You might have to include Senator408Klobuchar on that dais, as the Ranking Member at the time, and409a great person to work with. But great to be here with you.410    Chairman Cruz. We will take that as a friendly amendment.411    Senator Blunt. A friendly amendment. You and I both had the412opportunity to work with Arielle. Your comments about her work413ethic, her dedication to the job, and her family and her414country all are good, and I am really delighted to be here.415Glad to be here with you and Ranking Member Senator Cantwell,416members of the Committee. I am happy to be back in the Commerce417Committee. I served for 12 years on the House Commerce418Committee, and 12 years on this Committee, and I liked every419day of it.420    I am most pleased to be here with Arielle Roth. She is here421because of her nomination to be the Assistant Secretary of422Commerce for Communications and Information. I think she is423exactly the kind of thorough and principled leader the424President, Secretary Lutnick, and our fellow citizens need to425have and should have in this job.426    Many of you have come to know her well because she has427worked for the Committee for the past 2 years, and for Chairman428Cruz. Prior to her time leading the telecommunications429oversight for the Chairman, Arielle was a trusted legislative430counsel in my office, from August 2021 until I retired in431January 2023. During that time, she handled the entire breadth432of our Commerce Committee portfolio. Everything from travel and433tourism to broadband and telecommunications policy was434something she worked on, worked with members of this Committee435to shepherd the lasting bipartisan bills to the President's436desk, that included restoring the Brand USA. I did that with437Senator Klobuchar; as the principal sponsor of the Low-Power TV438Protection Act, with Senator Wyden and Senator Klobuchar, were439all things that Arielle Roth worked on.440    Before joining my office, as you said, Chairman, she had441worked for the FCC and on the House Energy and Commerce442Committee. Obviously, very helpful experience for the job she443has been nominated to.444    As many of you know, one of my chief priorities as Senator445was to expand broadband access in underserved communities. When446I started working on that problem, two-thirds of Missourians447did not have access to adequate high-speed broadband. It is448still 30 percent so there is still a lot to be done. Arielle449understood that as we worked together on this, and was450dedicated to trying to deliver those services to people who451were unserved.452    And finally, she is surrounded, as you mentioned, Mr.453Chairman, by a supportive and growing family. Frankly, when she454worked with me I wondered how could you have five kids and be455at work every day, but she was, and was dedicated to her work,456dedicated to her family, dedicated to her faith. Faith and457family are an important foundation for those to be entrusted458with public trust, and she certainly exemplifies that.459    I know she will serve with distinction as Assistant460Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, and I461could not be more proud of her today, nor could I be more462pleased to be here with her today.463    Chairman Cruz. Thank you, Senator Blunt. I will now464recognize Ms. Roth for her opening statement, and she is465welcome to say anything she likes. But the one thing that is466mandatory is she is obliged to introduce her beautiful family.467468STATEMENT OF ARIELLE ROTH, NOMINEE TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF469                COMMERCE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND470         INFORMATION, NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND471                   INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION472473    Ms. Roth. Will do. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell,474and distinguished members of the Senate Committee on Commerce,475Science, and Transportation, I am deeply humbled to testify476before you today and grateful to President Trump for nominating477me to serve our great nation as Assistant Secretary of Commerce478for Communications and Information.479    It is a particular honor to testify before the Senate480Commerce Committee. I have tremendous respect for this481Committee's accomplished members, hardworking staff, and record482of bipartisan work. Over the past four years, I have been483fortunate to work for two esteemed public servants on this484committee. Chairman Cruz, working for you to advance economic485growth, innovation, and the rule of law has been an486extraordinary privilege. Senator Blunt, thank you for your487mentorship in pragmatism, bipartisanship, and civic virtue.488    I have also had the honor of working for some of the most489principled and respected experts in the telecom field: Former490FCC Commissioners Harold Furchtgott-Roth and Mike O'Rielly and491former Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau, Kris Monteith.492    Of course, none of these opportunities would have been493possible without the support of my family. My parents, Dr. Mark494and Peggi Rabinovitch, who are here today, instilled in me495values of compassion, gratitude, perseverance, and community496service. My husband and soulmate, Yaakov, is the most497incredible husband and father. Our children, Samson, Nina,498Gefen, Rory, and Judah, are my life's greatest blessings, and I499thank God every day for the privilege of being their mother.500    I have experienced firsthand the incredible opportunities501America has to offer. This country has given me, and countless502others, the freedom to pursue our dreams, and build a better503country for the next generation.504    As a person of deep Jewish faith, it is moving to me to505offer my testimony on the eve of Passover, the holiday in which506we celebrate the triumph of freedom over tyranny. Our Rabbis507teach us that true liberation comes not just from physical508freedom but from spiritual freedom achieved through the pursuit509of wisdom, education, and ethical action. It is in this spirit510that I dedicate myself to the service of our country and511ensuring opportunity is accessible to all Americans.512    For the past decade, I have been lucky to work on a special513kind of access to opportunity--expanding access to high-speed514Internet--and assist lawmakers dedicated to advancing515innovation, promoting public safety, defending taxpayers, and516protecting children online. It has been my privilege to work on517bipartisan legislation like the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act518with Senator Markey; the SAT Streamlining Act with Senator519Rosen; the Low Power Protection Act with Senators Wyden and520Klobuchar; and the Kids Off Social Media Act with Senator521Schatz. If confirmed, I will bring this experience and my522understanding of the policy challenges we face today to the523work of NTIA.524    One of the most pressing tasks ahead of us is ensuring that525we finish the job of expanding broadband access to unserved526communities. Thanks to Congress's historic, bipartisan527investments in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, NTIA528has a responsibility to ensure that these funds are spent529efficiently, expeditiously, and consistent with the laws530written by Congress. I look forward to working with Members of531Congress on both sides of the aisle to ensure that the BEAD532program is a success and lives up to its bipartisan legacy.533    I am also committed to harnessing the potential of our534Nation's spectrum resources while safeguarding national535security. As the President's primary telecommunications and536spectrum advisor, NTIA's leadership is pivotal in ensuring our537Nation's economic prosperity, technology leadership, and538national security. NTIA also plays an important role in shaping539U.S. positions before international standard-setting bodies,540and it is essential that these decisions reflect U.S.541interests. I look forward to working with NTIA's distinguished542career staff, from whom I have learned so much over the past543few years, to advance these policies.544    Finally, one of the most pressing communications issues545facing our Nation today is one that is close to home: how to546protect children from online threats and excessive screen use.547As a mother of five--God willing, soon to be six--I know548firsthand what a struggle it can be to monitor and limit kids'549Internet and screen time. If confirmed as NTIA Administrator, I550will look for ways to support the Administration on addressing551these challenges for parents and children.552    I look forward to working with Members of Congress,553Commerce Secretary Lutnick, and other key stakeholders to554advance these important policies, and I am eager to contribute555to the continued growth and success of our Nation's556communications networks.557    Thank you again for the opportunity to speak with you558today. I am grateful for your consideration and look forward to559answering your questions.560    [The prepared statement and biographical information of Ms.561Roth follow:]562563Prepared Statement of Arielle Roth, Nominee for Assistant Secretary of564              Commerce for Communications and Information565    Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and distinguished members566of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:567    I am deeply humbled to testify before you today and grateful to568President Trump for nominating me to serve our great nation as569Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.570    It is a particular honor to testify before the Senate Commerce571Committee. I have tremendous respect for this committee's accomplished572members, hardworking staff, and record of bipartisan work. Over the573past four years, I have been fortunate to work for two esteemed public574servants on this committee.575    Chairman Cruz: working for you to advance economic growth,576innovation, and the rule of law has been an extraordinary privilege.577    Senator Blunt: thank you for your mentorship in pragmatism,578bipartisanship, and civic virtue.579    I have also had the honor of working for some of the most580principled and respected experts in the telecom field: Former FCC581Commissioners Harold Furchtgott-Roth and Mike O'Rielly and former Chief582of the Wireline Competition Bureau, Kris Monteith.583    Of course, none of these opportunities would have been possible584without the support of my family. My parents, Dr. Mark and Peggi585Rabinovitch, who are here today, instilled in me values of compassion,586gratitude, humility, and perseverance.587    My husband and soul mate, Yaakov, is the most incredible husband588and father. Our children--Samson, Nina, Gefen, Rory, and Judah--are my589life's greatest blessings, and I thank God every day for the privilege590of being their mother.591    I have experienced firsthand the incredible opportunities America592has to offer. This country has given me, and countless others, the593freedom to pursue our dreams, and build a better country for the next594generation.595    As a person of deep Jewish faith, it is moving to me to offer my596testimony on the eve of Passover--the holiday in which we celebrate the597triumph of freedom over tyranny. Our rabbis teach us that true598liberation comes not just from physical freedom, but from spiritual599freedom achieved through the pursuit of wisdom, education, and ethical600action. It is in this spirit that I dedicate myself to the service of601our country and ensuring opportunity is accessible to all Americans.602    For the past decade, I have been lucky to work on a special kind of603access to opportunity--expanding access to high-speed Internet--and604assist lawmakers dedicated to advancing innovation, promoting public605safety, defending taxpayers, and protecting children online. It has606been my privilege to work on bipartisan legislation like the AM Radio607for Every Vehicle Act with Senator Markey; the SAT Streamlining Act608with Senator Rosen; the Low Power Protection Act with Senators Wyden609and Klobuchar; and the Kids Off Social Media Act with Senator Schatz.610If confirmed, I will bring this experience and my understanding of the611policy challenges we face today to the work of NTIA.612    One of the most pressing tasks ahead of us is ensuring that we613finish the job of expanding broadband access to unserved communities.614Thanks to Congress's historic, bipartisan investments in the615Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, NTIA has a responsibility to616ensure that these funds are spent efficiently, expeditiously, and617consistent with the law as written by Congress. I look forward to618working with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to ensure619that the BEAD program is a success and lives up to its bipartisan620legacy.621    I am also committed to harnessing the potential of our Nation's622spectrum resources while safeguarding national security. As the623President's primary telecommunications and spectrum advisor, NTIA's624leadership is pivotal in ensuring our Nation's economic prosperity,625technology leadership, and national security. NTIA also plays an626important role in shaping U.S. positions before international standard-627setting bodies, and it is essential that these decisions reflect U.S.628interests.629    I look forward to working with NTIA's distinguished career staff--630from whom I've learned so much over the past few years--to advance631these policies.632    Finally, one of the most pressing communications issues facing our633Nation today is one that's close to home--how to protect children from634online threats and excessive screen use. As a mother of five (God635willing, soon to be six), I know firsthand what a struggle it can be to636monitor and limit kids' Internet and screen time. If confirmed as NTIA637Administrator, I will look for ways to support the administration on638addressing these challenges for parents and children.639    I look forward to working closely with members of Congress,640Commerce Secretary Lutnick, and other key stakeholders to advance these641important policies, and I am eager to contribute to the continued642growth and success of our Nation's communications networks.643    Thank you again for the opportunity to speak with you today. I am644grateful for your consideration and look forward to answering your645questions.646                                 ______647648                      a. biographical information649    1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used):650651        Arielle Sandra Roth (maiden name: Arielle Sandra Rabinovitch)652653    2. Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary of Commerce for654Communications and Information655    3. Date of Nomination: February 3, 2025.656    4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):657658        Residence: Iformation not released to the public.659        Office: Dirksen Senate Office Building, #512 50 Constitution660        Ave NE, Washington, DC 20001.661662    5. Date and Place of Birth: Montreal, Canada.663    6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your664spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your665children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).666667        Spouse: Jacob (``Yaakov'') Moshe Roth, Partner, Jones Day, 51668        Louisiana Ave NW Washington, DC 20001.669670    7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not671you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the672institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of673the degree.674675McGill University Faculty of Law, August 2009-December 2012676677   Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Civil Law (LLB-BCL), June678        2013679680Georgetown University Law Center, August 2011-December 2011681682   Visiting student (no degree)683684University of Toronto, August 2005-June 2009685686   Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, June 2008687688   Began master's program in Political Theory in Fall 2008 but689        left to attend law school mid-program.690691    8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,692name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all693management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to694the position for which you are nominated.695696   Policy Director, Telecommunications, Senate Committee on697        Commerce, Science, and Transportation, January 2023 to present*698699   Legislative Counsel, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, August 2021-700        January 2023**701702   FCC Attorney on Detail, House Committee on Energy and703        Commerce, April 2021-August 2021**704705Attorney Advisor, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Federal706        Communications Commission, January 2021-April 2021**707708Wireline Advisor, Office of Commissioner Michael O'Rielly, Federal709        Communications Commission, September 2018-January 2021**710711   Legal Advisor, Wireline Competition Bureau, Federal712        Communications Commission, September 2017-September 2018**713714   Legal Fellow, Center for the Economics of the Internet,715        Hudson Institute, July 2015-September 2017**716717   Intern, Federalist Society, May 2010-August 2010718719    * Denotes management-level job that is relevant to the position for720which I have been nominated.721    ** Denotes non-managerial job that is relevant to the position for722which I have been nominated.723    9. Attach a copy of your resume.724    See Attachment A.725    10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time726service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other727than those listed above after 18 years of age. None.728    11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,729partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any730corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,731educational, or other institution. None.732    12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or733currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,734political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously735affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization736(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a737religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership738and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note739whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis740of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.741Federalist Society742   I have been a member since 2016.743744   I have been a member of Telecommunications & Electronic745        Media Practice Group Executive Committee since 2017.746Federal Communications Bar Association747   I have been a member periodically since 2017.748Massachusetts Bar749   I have been a member in active standing since 2016.750Conservative Party of Canada751   Before moving to the U.S. in 2011, I was a member752        periodically since approximately 2004.753754    None of these groups restricts membership on the basis of race,755sex, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.756    13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office757(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any758campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are759personally liable for that debt. No.760    14. List all memberships and offices held with and services761rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or762election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid763position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether764compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,765identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year766of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. None.767    15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign768organization, political party, political action committee, or similar769entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.770771Trump 47 Committee (October 8, 2024)--$600772773   The FEC website lists this donation twice, once under774        ``Trump 47 Committee, Inc.'' and again under ``Never Surrender,775        Inc.'' However, I made a single $600 donation to the Trump 47776        Committee on Oct. 8, 2024.777Trump National Committee (July 17, 2024)--$1800778779   The FEC website breaks this single $1800 donation into780        multiple entries: one for ``Trump National Committee JFC,781        Inc.'' and separate donations to ``Never Surrender, Inc.''782        ($1620) and the ``Republican National Committee'' ($180). I783        only made a single $1800 donation to the Trump National784        Committee on July 17, 2024.785786Additional donations on July 13, 2024787788   The FEC website also lists donations totaling $1800 on July789        13, 2024. These included a $180 donation to the Republican790        National Committee and a $1620 donation to Never Surrender. I791        mistakenly made these donations under my maiden name (Arielle792        Rabinovitch) and cancelled them immediately after realizing the793        error.794795    16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary796society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition797for outstanding service or achievements.798799   Koch Summer Fellow (2010)800801   High Distinction, University of Toronto (2008)802803    17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,804Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,805individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when806possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the807publication when available.808809        ``Turning Down the Heat on Net Neutrality: A View from Our810        Northern Neighbor,'' Arielle Roth (July 15, 2017), https://811        www.hudson.org/economics/turning-down-the-heat-on-net-812        neutrality-a-view-from-our-northern-neighbor813814        ``The Disingenuous Campaign Against Media Consolidation,''815        Arielle Roth, Washington Examiner (June 2, 2017), https://816        www.hudson.org/economics/the-disingenuous-campaign-against-817        media-consolidation818819        ``Corrosive Legal Uncertainty Remains after DC Circuit's820        Rehearing Denial in `Net Neutrality' Case,'' Arielle Roth,821        Washington Legal Foundation Legal Pulse (May 12, 2017), https:/822        /www.hudson.org/economics/corrosive-legal-uncertainty-remains-823        after-dc-circuit-s-rehearing-denial-in-net-neutrality-case824825        ``A Communications Reform Priority: Curtailing FCC Ancillary826        Jurisdiction Under Telecom Act Sec. 706,'' Arielle Roth,827        Washington Legal Foundation Critical Issues Working Paper828        Series (Feb. 2017), https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.hudson.org/829        files/publications/201702RothW P.pdf830831        ``How a Trump FCC Could Deregulate the Communications Sector,''832        Harold Furchtgott-Roth and Arielle Roth, Forbes Online (Nov.833        10, 2016), https://www.hudson.org/economics/how-a-trump-fcc-834        could-deregulate-the-communications-sector835836        ``Sixth Circuit Protects Federalism from an Overreaching837        Federal Communications Commission,'' Harold Furchtgott-Roth and838        Arielle Roth, Washington Legal Foundation Legal Pulse (Aug. 18,839        2016), https://www.hudson.org/economics/sixth-circuit-protects-840        federalism-from-an-overreaching-federal-communications-841        commission842843        ``Three Issues to Watch as the FCC Writes Privacy Rules for844        Broadband Companies,'' Arielle Roth, American Bar Association845        Administrative and Regulatory Law News (Aug. 15, 2016), https:/846        /www.hudson.org/economics/three-issues-to-watch-as-the-fcc-847        writes-privacy-rules-for-broadband-companies848849        ``How the FCC's Proposed Privacy Rules Would Create a False850        Sense of Consumer Privacy,'' Harold Furchtgott-Roth and Arielle851        Roth, Forbes Online (March 31, 2016), https://www.hudson.org/852        economics/how-the-fcc-s-proposed-privacy-rules-would-create-a-853        false-sense-of-consumer-privacy854855        ``Why the FCC's Proposed Privacy Rules Would Hurt Consumers,''856        Harold Furchtgott-Roth and Arielle Roth, Forbes Online (March857        14, 2016), https://www.hudson.org/economics/why-the-fcc-s-858        proposed-privacy-rules-would-hurt-consumers859860        ``How the FCC Betrayed America's Faith in the Rule of Law,''861        Harold Furchtgott-Roth and Arielle Roth, Forbes Online (March862        2, 2016), https://www.hudson.org/economics/how-the-fcc-863        betrayed-america-s-faith-in-the-rule-of-law864865        ``Tim Cook's Sleight of Hand,'' Harold Furchtgott-Roth and866        Arielle Roth, Forbes Online (Feb. 24, 2016), https://867        www.hudson.org/national-security-defense/tim-cook-s-sleight-of-868        hand869870        ``Answering Four Questions on the Anniversary of the871        Telecommunications Act of 1996,'' Harold Furchtgott-Roth and872        Arielle Roth, Federal Communications Law Journal (Feb. 12,873        2016), http://www.fclj.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/68.1.2-874        HFR-Comment.pdf875876        ``Racial Diversity Lawsuit Exposes Lawless FCC,'' Arielle Roth,877        CapX (Feb. 8, 2016), https://www.hudson.org/economics/racial-878        diversity-lawsuit-exposes-lawless-fcc879880        ``Net Neutrality's Religious Freedom Problem,'' Arielle Roth,881        CapX (Jan. 12, 2016), https://www.hudson.org/technology/net-882        neutrality-s-religious-freedom-problem883884        ``Why Mark Zuckerberg Should Beware of the FCC,'' Harold885        Furchtgott-Roth and Arielle Roth, Forbes Online (Dec. 11,886        2015), https://www.hudson.org/economics/why-mark-zuckerberg-887        should-beware-of-the-fcc888889        ``Why ISIS Celebrates the FCC's Network Neutrality Rules,''890        Harold Furchtgott-Roth and Arielle Roth, CapX (Dec. 4, 2015),891        https://www.hudson.org/national-security-defense/why-isis-892        celebrates-the-fcc-s-network-neutrality-rules893894        ``FCC Should Not Remain Silent on Berkeley's Junk-Science895        Wireless Warnings,'' Harold Furchtgott-Roth and Arielle Roth,896        Washington Legal Foundation Legal Pulse (Oct. 9, 2015), https:/897        /www.hudson.org/technology/fcc-should-not-remain-silent-on-898        berkeley-s-junk-science-wireless-warnings899900        ``Constitutional Challenges to Dodd-Frank,'' Arielle901        Rabinovitch, the Antitrust Bulletin (Dec. 1, 2013), https://902        journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0003903        603X1305800406?journalCode=abxa904905    18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,906PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for907which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when908possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the909speech or presentation when available.910911Mobile World Congress, Wireless Leadership on the Hill: Panel (Oct. 8,9122024)913914   Panelist915916   Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6chxilRKKE917918Federalist Society, ``The Broadband Economy--$42 Billion Infusion and a919Newly-Minted Biden FCC: What lies ahead?'' (June 11, 2024)920921   Panelist922923   Video: https://fedsoc.org/events/the-broadband-economy-42-924        billion-infusion-and925        -a-newly-minted-biden-fcc-what-lies-ahead926927Federalist Society, ``Consumers' Research v. FCC and the Legality of928the Universal Service Fund Contribution Regime'' (July 19, 2022)929930   Moderated panel discussion931932   Video: https://fedsoc.org/events/consumers-research-v-fcc-933        and-the-legality-of-the934        -universal-service-fund-contribution-regime935936NTCA Telecom Executive Policy Summit, FCC Staff Panel Discussion (Nov.93718, 2019)938939   Panelist940941   Recording not available.942943    19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten944years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and945television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position946for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to947each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a948digital copy of the statement when available.949    To my knowledge, I have not made any public statements that fit950this category.951    20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other952digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated953an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your954name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',955including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used956on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,957deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.958959        X: @ArielleRoth, https://x.com/ArielleRoth (active)960961        Facebook: Arielle Roth, https://www.facebook.com/962        arielle.roth.9/ (active)963964        Instagram: ariellerabroth, https://www.instagram.com/965        ariellerabroth (active)966967        LinkedIn: Arielle Roth, https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielle-968        roth-868b8522 (active)969970    21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified971orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-972governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject973matter of each testimony.974    I have never testified orally or in writing before Congress.975    22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major976operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation977to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment978experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment979to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish980to serve in that position?981    Having served in senior roles in Congress and the FCC over the past982decade, I bring significant experience and understanding of the policy983issues facing our Nation today with respect to broadband connectivity,984spectrum policy, and technological innovation. As Assistant Secretary985of Commerce for Communications and Information, I would be honored to986promote connectivity and free expression, advance U.S. technology987leadership, and protect the interests of taxpayers.988    23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to989ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper990management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in991managing a large organization?992    If confirmed, I will work to ensure that NTIA operates efficiently993and effectively to protect the interests of American taxpayers,994including by promptly addressing recommendations and deficiencies995identified by the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce and996the Government Accountability Office. I believe that my experience with997the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,998managing staff and balancing the interests of members and outside999parties with business before the Committee, will help me lead the1000agency effectively.1001    24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the1002department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?10031004  1.  Finishing the job of connecting all Americans to broadband1005        internet: Congress allocated a historic amount of funding to1006        NTIA in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to connect1007        Americans to broadband and it is incumbent on the agency to1008        ensure that this funding is spent effectively, consistent with1009        the law as written by Congress.10101011  2.  Unlocking the potential of our Nation's spectrum resources while1012        protecting national security: As the President's primary1013        advisor on spectrum, strong leadership from NTIA is key to our1014        Nation's economic prosperity, technology leadership, and1015        security.10161017  3.  Restoring America's leadership at international1018        telecommunications standard-setting bodies: NTIA has a critical1019        role to play in developing U.S. positions at the International1020        Telecommunications Union and World Radiocommunication1021        Conference and ensuring international spectrum decisions are1022        driven by U.S. interests--not those of our adversaries.1023                   b. potential conflicts of interest1024    1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation1025agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,1026clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement1027accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.1028    I have no such financial arrangements, deferred compensation1029agreements, or other continuing dealings with business associates,1030clients, or customers. My only pension arrangements are through my1031Federal government service.1032    2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,1033to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,1034association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,1035please explain. None.1036    3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other1037relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in1038the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will1039resolve each potential conflict of interest.1040    In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with1041the U.S. Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Commerce's1042Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts of1043interest. If confirmed, any potential conflicts of interest will be1044resolved in accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement I have1045entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official.1046    4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial1047transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for1048yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in1049any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the1050position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve1051each potential conflict of interest.1052    In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with1053the U.S. Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Commerce's1054Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts of1055interest. If confirmed, any potential conflicts of interest will be1056resolved in accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement I have1057entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official.1058    5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain1059how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.1060    I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.1061    6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the1062names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the1063purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or1064modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and1065execution of law or public policy.1066    None, except in my role as a Congressional staffer.1067                            c. legal matters1068    1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,1069professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a1070complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special1071Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary1072committee, or other professional group? No.1073    If yes:10741075  a.  Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or1076        group;10771078  b.  Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or1079        personnel action was issued or initiated;10801081  c.  Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or1082        personnel action;10831084  d.  Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,1085        complaint, or personnel action.10861087    2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by1088any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,1089State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for1090a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. No.1091    3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were1092an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency1093proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please1094explain. No.1095    4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo1096contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic1097offense? If so, please explain. No.1098    5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual1099assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,1100race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. No.1101    6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,1102favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in1103connection with your nomination. None.1104                     d. relationship with committee1105    1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/1106corporation complies with deadlines for information set by1107congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/1108corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information1109from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in1110the minority?1111    If confirmed, I would work diligently with my staff to ensure1112compliance with deadlines and requests for information.1113    2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/1114corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and1115whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.1116    3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested1117witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with1118firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.1119    4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly1120constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be1121reasonably requested to do so? Yes.1122                                 ______11231124                              Attachment A11251126    Chairman Cruz. Before you are excused, Senator Blunt, I1127will say the Ranking Member asked if you also wore a pink tie1128to be in complete harmony.1129    Senator Blunt. It is sort of pink. It is almost coordinated1130with the group. I am impressed by this coordination of the1131group myself.1132    Chairman Cruz. Well, thank you. All right, we will start1133with questioning.1134    As I noted in my opening statement, your extensive policy1135experience is impressive and makes you eminently qualified to1136lead NTIA. I appreciate your many years of public service,1137including your very hard work as a part of my team here on this1138Committee.1139    Why don't we start with this. Why do you want to be the1140Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and1141Information?1142    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. Expanding access to1143communications and technology is extremely meaningful work. It1144has lifted people out of poverty. It has fostered innovation.1145It has expanded opportunities for speech and information. NTIA1146has an incredible opportunity to deliver on these goals through1147broadband, through spectrum, as well as through advising the1148President on Internet policy. I intend to ensure that NTIA1149succeeds in these missions.1150    Chairman Cruz. As you noted, the NTIA is the lead agency1151for managing Federal spectrum, including critical midband1152spectrum. Over the past several years, Majority Leader Thune,1153Senator Blackburn, and I have collaborated on a bill that would1154require NTIA to identify a clear pipeline of midband spectrum1155that can be used more efficiently, and following feasibility1156studies and established processes, allow for commercial use. To1157lead the world in 5G and 6G, to bolster our economy, and to1158ensure that it is America and not China that sets the1159technology standards of the future, we must expand commercial1160access to midband spectrum.1161    Will you commit to working closely with me and with this1162Committee to expand commercial sector access to spectrum while,1163at the same time, protecting U.S. national security interests?1164    Ms. Roth. Absolutely, Senator. National security needs to1165be paramount in any discussion over expanding access to1166spectrum. I am optimistic that by working together, we have the1167brightest minds in the country, we can find a path forward to1168advance our international technology leadership while1169protecting national security.1170    Chairman Cruz. As you know, President Trump has called for1171the United States to have its own Iron Dome missile defense1172system. The Defense Department says they need every ounce of1173spectrum that they currently occupy and they cannot coexist1174with commercial users and their vast spectrum holdings,1175particularly if they need to build an Iron Dome system. What is1176your judgment? Can DoD build an Iron Dome and coexist with1177commercial spectrum users?1178    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. First, at the outset, I thank1179God for the Iron Dome system. I have family in Israel, and it1180has saved their lives. So I would never do anything to1181jeopardize our ability to develop such a system here at home.1182    And I am optimistic that by working together, we have some1183of the brightest minds of this country working on spectrum,1184working on feasibility studies, that we can find a way forward1185and have such a system at home without endangering national1186security.1187    Chairman Cruz. As you know, NTIA administers the BEAD1188program, a $42 billion broadband deployment program, authorized1189by Congress, under the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs1190Act. During the last administration, NTIA saddled BEAD with a1191variety of extraneous and burdensome requirements. As a result,1192after nearly 4 years, not a single American household has been1193connected to the internet.1194    In a departing screed to his colleagues, Biden's head of1195BEAD claimed that climate, labor, and other requirements,1196quote, ``were inserted by the prior administration for1197messaging political purposes, and were never central to the1198mission of the program.'' I agree. They were never central to1199the mission. But it appears that the Biden mission was to avoid1200connecting even a single American household, to which I say1201mission accomplished. That is over now.1202    Will you commit to working closely with this Committee to1203remove these extraneous requirements and refocus the BEAD1204program on its actual purpose, which is connecting Americans to1205broadband in a cost-effective and timely manner?1206    Ms. Roth. Yes, Senator. At the outset, I want the BEAD1207program to be a success. I want to connect every remaining1208American who currently lacks access to high-speed Internet as1209expeditiously, efficiently, and effectively as possible. I1210believe that we can deliver on this goal, and I am committed to1211it.1212    Chairman Cruz. Now, some in the media, and some perhaps1213even in this room, want to convince the American people that1214fixing BEAD is part of some dark and sinister plot to benefit1215Elon Musk, by opening up the program to Starlink. And I would1216put the former head of BEAD in that camp, as well. Yet1217rightsizing BEAD may involve removing the thumb on the scale1218that the Biden administration placed in favor of fiber, and1219doing so is simply following the law as Congress wrote it.1220    BEAD was written to be tech neutral. America is a big1221country. While fiber might make sense in some areas, hybrid1222fiber, fixed wireless, and yes, even satellite-based Internet1223might be a smarter choice in other areas. That is not grift; it1224is good government. It is basic common sense.1225    Americans have waited long enough to get connected. It is1226time to do it, and we must use every tool in the kit to get1227broadband deployed as quickly and efficiently as possible. Will1228you commit to overseeing the BEAD program with an eye toward1229deploying broadband without favor to any particular technology,1230individual, or company?1231    Ms. Roth. Absolutely, Senator. If I am confirmed, my1232mission will be to deliver broadband to the American people,1233not to serve any individual or company.1234    Chairman Cruz. Thank you. Ranking Member Cantwell.1235    Senator Cantwell. I am going to defer to my colleague,1236Senator Klobuchar.1237    Chairman Cruz. OK. Senator Klobuchar.12381239               STATEMENT OF HON. AMY KLOBUCHAR,1240                  U.S. SENATOR FROM MINNESOTA12411242    Senator Klobuchar. Thank you. Thank you very much. Welcome,1243Ms. Roth. I enjoyed our discussion in the car as I was driving1244around Minnesota last week, and I have especially enjoyed your1245very well-behaved kids. I note that your son asserting his1246independence with reading the book the entire time, with some1247memory of my own daughter at that age, except she would sit in1248the front row. I would be giving a speech, and she would read1249the book like this.1250    [Holds book up to her face.]1251    [Laughter.]1252    Senator Klobuchar. So you have accomplished much that that1253is not happening.1254    I did enjoy working with you. I know you worked with our1255staff on not just the Low-Power Protection Act but also Brand1256USA with Senator Blunt, the STURDY Act, as well as all the work1257that we did on travel and tourism. So thank you for that.1258    I wanted to follow up on some of the questions on the1259broadband bill. I never really liked that BEAD name. I just1260call it the broadband bill. And I know that my state and many1261others have invested a lot of energy and capital in complying1262with the current rules, as they should do, and that we do not1263want to start from scratch. We do not want to delay this1264anymore. And we just are worried that anything that would make1265it more disruptive would be problematic. And if confirmed, how1266will you ensure that states, including Minnesota, can proceed1267with their broadband plans as expeditiously as possible?1268    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. I realize there was one other1269vote we worked on together, Virginia Graeme Baker.1270    Senator Klobuchar. Oh, that was a big deal, on the swimming1271pools. It actually saved a lot of lives, yes. Yes, that was a1272big deal.1273    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. If I am honored to be1274confirmed, my primary objective would be to get broadband1275buildout to every last American as expeditiously as possible. I1276think that it has been more than 3 years since the IIJA was1277passed. I think there is frustration that we have not made1278significant progress in getting shovels in the ground. We do1279not have a single location connected yet. I want to solve that,1280and I want to get broadband to everyone in America and every1281single one of your constituents.1282    Senator Klobuchar. OK. Very good. I understand the desire1283to strip out any needless requirements from the programs, but1284we must not, in the words of one of the people in the last1285administration dealing with this, ``strip away from states the1286flexibility to get the best connections for their people.''1287    If confirmed, would you implement a spending cap on the1288program, and if so, at what thresholds would you set it?1289    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. I agree that we should be1290stripping out red tape and bureaucracy of the program to get1291the program on track and expedited. In terms of a spending cap,1292I would want to speak with NTIA's distinguished career staff to1293know what, if any, authority NTIA has. I would want to confer1294with NTIA distinguished career staff.1295    Senator Klobuchar. OK. Universal Service Fund, we talked1296about this one the phone. I care a lot about this. Senator1297Thune and I have done some work on this together. Supreme Court1298just had their arguments on this. I will not ask you to predict1299what happens, but it appeared there was some concern about1300throwing out the fund.1301    As we discussed, we have to continue to ensure that we1302maximize Federal resources dedicated to expanding broadband1303access. I have been working across the aisle to strengthen1304funding mechanisms for USF, which allows for providers to1305connect the most hard-to-reach areas to high-speed internet. If1306confirmed, would you work with me and others on the Committee1307to expand the funding base for universal service?1308    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. NTIA does not administer the1309USF. That is the domain of the FCC. Of course, there is a lot1310of overlap between broadband programs----1311    Senator Klobuchar. Exactly.1312    Ms. Roth--and I look forward to working the FCC on the goal1313of delivering broadband to all Americans and coordinating our1314efforts. And I would be happy to work with you on any efforts1315in that domain.1316    Senator Klobuchar. OK. Last, I know the Chairman asked you1317about the spectrum funds. I chair the 911 Caucus, and am co-1318chair of it. And I have led legislation with Senator Cortez1319Masto to modernize America's 911 system, for obvious reasons.1320People are no longer just dialing in from landlines and they1321want to send photos, people want to get--firefighters get1322pictures of burning buildings on their phones so they can be1323safer in the specs and which part they enter in a building.1324    Do you believe Congress could leverage spectrum auctions to1325help modernize our 911 infrastructure?1326    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. As a parent who has had to1327dial 911 before, and God forbid everything was OK and I only1328had to do it once, I know how important it is to have properly1329working 911 infrastructure. I know there are challenges in1330rural areas. I would be happy to work with you. Ultimately,1331Congress decides where spectrum auction proceeds go.1332    Senator Klobuchar. OK. Thank you.1333    Chairman Cruz. Thank you.1334    Senator Klobuchar. Thank you, Senator Cantwell.1335    Chairman Cruz. Senator Baldwin.13361337               STATEMENT OF HON. TAMMY BALDWIN,1338                  U.S. SENATOR FROM WISCONSIN13391340    Senator Baldwin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Ranking1341Member. Ms. Roth, it was lovely to meet with you and talk about1342your vision for NTIA. I want to start by talking about the BEAD1343program also. It was established in the Bipartisan1344Infrastructure Law, and NTIA and all 50 states have been1345working to implement BEAD to bridge the digital divide in the1346United States.1347    I was proud to help work to make sure that Wisconsin1348received an adequate sum. We received an award of slightly1349north of $1.1 billion in BEAD funding to expand access to high-1350quality, high-speed internet. Just last month, Wisconsin ended1351the application period for the first round of BEAD funding, and1352we are very excited to keep on moving ahead.1353    But at the beginning of this month, Commerce Secretary1354Lutnick announced a rigorous review, as he said, of the BEAD1355program, and I am concerned that this rigorous review could1356slow down our progress to deliver broadband access. So as1357Administrator, will you commit to ensuring that states are able1358to continue to move forward with approved BEAD plans without1359interference from this new Administration?1360    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator, and thank you for meeting1361with me. If confirmed, my goal with the BEAD program would be1362to get broadband to every last unserved American as1363expeditiously as possible. I would hope that any review of the1364BEAD program would be done quickly, with an eye to expediting1365deployment. It is not just about expediting paperwork,1366expediting funding, but ultimately expediting deployment. And1367if there are ways that we can expedite that shovels-in-the-1368ground side of the program, I would want to find such ways.1369    Senator Baldwin. Thank you. Our Chairman asked you a little1370bit about administering BEAD without favor to any particular1371technology or company, and I would like to inquire a little bit1372more deeply. Because the Secretary has talked about this1373rigorous review of BEAD, and there is some indication that1374there may be suggestions to give more favor to satellite1375technology in terms of connecting people with high-speed1376internet.1377    So how are you going to ensure that you are administering1378this, again without favor to a particular technology or1379company, particularly one that is overseen by somebody who has1380a very outsized role in this Administration, Elon Musk,1381especially if the Secretary is pushing you in that regard?1382    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. If confirmed, as I said to1383Chairman Cruz, if I am fortunate to be confirmed, I will1384administer the program to the benefit of the American people,1385not any single individual or company. I believe that Congress1386wrote the BEAD program legislation in a tech-neutral manner,1387and tech-neutral goes both ways. Like we would not want to have1388only one technology, like fiber, as the only solution, nor1389would a separate technology be the only one that would be1390funded by the program.1391    Senator Baldwin. When we met we talked about Buy America1392requirements that are in the BEAD and in the entire Bipartisan1393Infrastructure Law. And I got a chance to tell you a little bit1394about some of the jobs that have been created in Wisconsin1395because of the last administration's action being proactive to1396use our Buy America, Build America rules to bring jobs to the1397United States. Can you commit to enforcing the Buy America1398rules and requirements at NTIA?1399    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. Advancing American1400manufacturing is very important, and if confirmed, I would want1401to find a way forward to deliver on the goal of advancing1402American manufacturing and an America First policy that this1403Administration has supported, with the goal of building out1404broadband as expeditiously as possible, and I would look1405forward to working with your office on this issue.1406    Senator Baldwin. And when waivers exist or are sought, what1407approach would you take in reviewing waivers of the Buy America1408requirements?1409    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. I will always abide by the1410law. As I have not been confirmed, I would like to have the1411chance to discuss that with the agency's esteemed experts. But1412I absolutely look forward to working with your office to ensure1413that that process abides by the goals of both Buy America as1414well as the BEAD program.1415    Senator Baldwin. Mr. Chairman, I have run out of time.1416    Chairman Cruz. Thank you. Senator Kim.1417    Senator Kim. Thank you, Chairman.1418    Chairman Cruz. Oh, apparently I skipped Senator Moreno. I1419had looked down and it was empty, and you snuck in stealthily.1420I should warn you that the United Kingdom apparently has a1421problem with ninjas, and we may have a ninja on this Committee.1422So Senator Moreno, and then Senator Kim.14231424               STATEMENT OF HON. BERNIE MORENO,1425                     U.S. SENATOR FROM OHIO14261427    Senator Moreno. You know, it is, just for the record, proof1428that Cubans and Colombians have a long history of animosity.1429    [Laughter.]1430    Senator Moreno. I do not blame them. They had a little1431[inaudible] confidence, so it is good. We have better coffee.1432They get very, very upset by that.1433    First of all, congratulations. And I thank the staff who is1434sitting around the table, that does enormous amounts of work,1435you put in all the hard hours and you wonder what am I doing. I1436think you are an inspiration to all of them. Despite your1437choice of what Senate office you worked for, congratulations to1438being in that position. It has got to be really cool for you to1439do this. And again, also thank you for being willing to serve1440your country the way you are doing it.1441    Just some quick questions. How is NTIA, in your mind,1442ensuring that its broadband investments are not duplicating1443funding from dozens of other Federal programs?1444    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. This is an issue I have1445thought about and worked on, my career in telecom. I think GAO1446reported that there are 130 different broadband programs across1447the Federal Government. Coordination is really important. It1448would be one of my goals, if I am fortunate to be confirmed as1449administrator. I would also welcome the opportunity to work1450with your office on this issue.1451    Senator Moreno. OK. And at the last World Radio Conference,1452many criticized the U.S. delegation for disorganization. Many1453say this allowed China to pursue their aims at the conference1454unfettered. As NTIA provides expertise to the delegation, what1455will you do to support the World Radio Conference efforts?1456    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. It a really important issue1457with the World Radio Communication Conference coming up in14582027. It is two years away, but we need to develop unified1459positions expeditiously. NTIA has a role to play in that. And1460the reason that is important is if we do not develop those1461unified positions, we do not have a seat at the table, our1462adversaries will lead the discussion in favor of their1463equipment makers and manufacturers, potentially to the1464detriment of American equipment makers and manufacturers and1465those that serve America.1466    Senator Moreno. Makes sense. And with technologies like1467Starlink rapidly expanding, we are seeing that service1468throughout rural Ohio, dramatically less expensive to put up a1469$200 receive than a $2 million fiber cable up a mountain. Do1470you see that expanding service to remote areas at lower costs1471and faster development times? How is NTIA incorporating non-1472traditional, low-earth, satellite-based solutions into its1473long-term broadband strategy, like I said, especially in these1474hard-to-reach areas?1475    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. Technology has come a very1476long way in delivering broadband. I think Congress wanted a1477technology-neutral approach to the BEAD program. It served our1478country well. It also recognizes that we are a diverse country,1479diverse geographically, and not every solution is going to work1480in every state or every area. And I look forward to, if1481confirmed, ensuring that states have the resources that they1482need to deliver broadband in a manner that serves their1483constituents.1484    Senator Moreno. Yes, it would be great to get you to Ohio,1485because we need a lot of parts of rural Ohio connected. We1486would love to get you out there and visit, once you are1487confirmed.1488    Last question would be, how does NTIA plan to increase1489engagement with private industry, including competitive1490carriers and nontraditional broadband providers to meet1491deployment goals more efficiently?1492    Ms. Roth. Senator, I look forward to delivering on the goal1493of expediting broadband deployment through the BEAD program,1494getting every last American connected. And that includes an1495all-of-the-above solution. I look forward to working with your1496office to achieve that goal.1497    Senator Moreno. Perfect. Again, thank you for your1498willingness to serve. You are supremely qualified for the job,1499and I urge all of my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to1500confirm you quickly so we can get you in there to get to work.1501    Ms. Roth. Thank you.1502    Chairman Cruz. Thank you, Senator Moreno. Now Senator Kim.15031504                  STATEMENT OF HON. ANDY KIM,1505                  U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY15061507    Senator Kim. Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Ms. Roth, for1508coming before us. I actually just wanted to build off of1509something that the Chairman said in his opening remarks. He1510talked about making sure that America, not China, is setting1511the tech standards around the world, especially in the telecom1512space. And I guess I just want to start with a big-picture1513question. How would you characterize U.S. competitiveness right1514now in the telecom space, vis-a-vis China? I just want to get1515your understanding of where that stands right now?1516    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. I think we are in a global1517technology race again China. We need to ensure that we do not1518fall behind, because if we do, that will lead to more1519situations to address like Rip and Replace, Salt Typhoon. We1520desperately need to ensure that we win the global technology1521race, and part of that is ensuring that we have the best and1522fastest broadband networks in the world from which we can build1523innovation and remain the global technology leaders.1524    Senator Kim. One of the biggest challenges that we faced1525and saw in recent years was just China's aggressiveness when it1526came to 5G, in terms of the deployment of Huawei around the1527world. What do you think are the lessons that we should have1528been taking away from that, and how would you, in this job, try1529to make sure that we are pushing forward and thinking about how1530to strengthen American innovation at a time of such1531competitiveness?1532    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. I think there are a lot of1533ways we can do that, ensuring that our spectrum policy is as1534efficient as possible so that we can have the best wireless1535innovation in the world. And it is also ensuring that all1536Americans have access to digital opportunities, and delivering1537on the requirements of the BEAD program is one way to do that.1538    Senator Kim. One of the things that we were able to move1539forward on is this $1.5 billion Public Wireless Supply Chain1540Innovation Fund, that is at NTIA. I just wanted to ask, I am1541not sure if you have really thought this through in terms of1542what your vision would be in terms of that particular fund. It1543is something that I have been very interested in, in terms of1544how we can use this to potentially scale up, you know, trusted1545telecommunications supplies, and not just in the United States1546but abroad. I just wanted to see if you have given that some1547thought so far?1548    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. Yes, supply chain security is1549very important in winning the global technology race. I am very1550familiar with that program and the goals of that program,1551combatting Huawei and ensuring that our networks are safe. And1552I look forward to abiding by the law. That program was signed1553into law, and if I am confirmed, I look forward to working on1554it with you and your office.1555    Senator Kim. Look, one thing to keep an eye out, if you are1556confirmed here, is there has been talk about what is the future1557of the CHIPS and Science Act, and this particular fund was one1558that came through that legislation. So I do have concerns in1559terms of about what the future is of that type of innovative1560spur that we are trying to unleash. So that is something I just1561wanted to flag for you. And just in general, just thinking1562about how we can increase our competitiveness, our innovation,1563but also better protecting ourselves to try to prevent foreign1564adversaries from being able to exploit our U.S.1565telecommunications networks as well as the supply chains, as1566you mentioned. So that is something I am hopeful we are able to1567work together on.1568    The last thing I just wanted to flag, switching gears. I am1569the father of a 7-year-old and a 9-year-old. I see your1570beautiful family here, as well. The Chairman mentioned in his1571opening remarks that you have been instrumental in thinking1572about protecting privacy for kids, with the work on this1573Committee. I guess I wanted to just ask for your thoughts here.1574Can you speak to how you will try to advance that sense of1575privacy for our children with the work you do as Assistant1576Secretary?1577    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. I agree. Privacy is1578incredibly important. NTIA does not have a regulatory role on1579privacy. NTIA is an advisor to the President on----1580    Senator Kim. What do you think the President should focus1581in on when it comes to privacy for kids?1582    Ms. Roth. Senator, I am not at the agency yet and I would1583like to have a chance to figure out what the agency is working1584on, speaking to the distinguished career staff. But it is1585certainly an issue that I would want to work on, and I would1586look forward to working with your office.1587    Senator Kim. Yes, look, as I said, if confirmed, I hope1588this is something that we can really lift up. I think a lot of1589parents are just beside themselves right now, and just would1590like to see some strong action. And I think having a young mom1591taking the charge on this, I think that would be a really1592strong signal to this country.1593    Thanks a lot. And with that I yield back.1594    Chairman Cruz. Thank you. Senator Blunt Rochester.15951596            STATEMENT OF HON. LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER,1597                   U.S. SENATOR FROM DELAWARE15981599    Senator Blunt Rochester. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank1600you, Ranking Member Cantwell. Welcome, Ms. Roth, to you and1601your family, and congratulations on your upcoming new family1602member. I thought I was going to be the last one to speak so1603that we did not have any breaking news here today, but more are1604coming in.1605    I just wanted to kind of pick up where a lot of my1606colleagues left off on the BEAD program and just how you can1607tell from the fact that across the aisle everyone is very much1608interested in making sure that our country is connected. In1609Delaware, we set a goal to become the first state in the Nation1610to be fully connected to high-speed Internet with the funding1611from the BEAD program, and we will be able to accomplish that1612goal with this program. And I hope I can count on you.1613    I have heard you say, and commit it to others, as well,1614that you will expeditiously turn this goal into a reality and1615commit to the funding being received as quickly as possible,1616particularly because Delaware, Louisiana, and Nevada are three1617states that actually have gone through all the steps. We are1618right there, completed the whole process, and NTIA actually1619approved our plan to connect many of the underserved households1620and businesses in our state. And that was approved at the1621beginning of this year.1622    So I just wanted to again encourage you, as one of your1623first opportunities to make sure particularly those plans that1624have been approved, that you will take a look at them. Can I1625get that commitment?1626    Ms. Roth. Absolutely. One of my priorities, if confirmed as1627NTIA Administrator, would be to get broadband to every single1628American as expeditiously as possible.1629    Senator Blunt Rochester. Thank you. And many of the states,1630we have submitted these plans but we are different. We are1631diverse. We crafted those plans based on experts in our states1632and local municipalities. And we hope that you will be1633considering the uniqueness of those. Some of the1634characteristics might just be our terrain, whether it is1635skyscrapers or mountains, whether it is forests or farms, we1636are different.1637    So will you commit to allowing states with approved plans1638to choose the broadband delivery technology that works best for1639their individual situations?1640    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. I certainly recognize that we1641have a diverse country with diverse geography, and a one-size-1642fits-all solution does not necessarily make sense. That is why1643we need an all-of-the-above solution to delivering broadband,1644and I look forward to working with your office on that.1645    Senator Blunt Rochester. Thank you so much. I want to turn1646to the Digital Equity Act, which as you know was part of the1647Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act. More and more we are1648seeing technology be prevalent in our lives. I mean, literally,1649whether it is the doctor, whether it is the school classroom,1650it is really important that we have digital literacy and that1651we bridge the digital divide.1652    Our HBCU, Delaware State University, was one of the1653organizations that received funding for high-speed Internet1654access for training and workforce development related to1655digital literacy. But we also have our Department of Labor that1656would provide IT training, as well. They are still waiting on1657their funding.1658    Will you commit to supporting this program, as enacted?1659    Ms. Roth. Senator, in the Infrastructure, Investment, and1660Jobs Act, Congress committed to ensuring that broadband1661Internet is affordable for all Americans, and that Americans1662have the resources and skills they need to connect. I will1663abide by the law.1664    Senator Blunt Rochester. Great. Thank you. A definition1665that was in that Act, of the covered populations, for some has1666included controversy. But I just want to clarify that in the1667law it is low-income, seniors, veterans, people with1668disabilities, and people in rural America. And I think that is1669really important, because all of us are affected by this. Our1670ability to shop, our ability to even read and go to school, as1671I said, is really important. So I am glad that you are1672committed to this.1673    And then, last, I would love to shift to cybersecurity. In1674the 9 seconds I have I will ask a question for the record. But1675this, too, is also a priority for us, and I am looking to,1676should you be confirmed, to work with you on this issue, as1677well, particularly around the wor force, because I think that1678is a huge issue for us.1679    So thank you, and I yield back.1680    Chairman Cruz. Thank you. Senator Markey.16811682               STATEMENT OF HON. EDWARD MARKEY,1683                U.S. SENATOR FROM MASSACHUSETTS16841685    Senator Markey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is good to see1686you again, Ms. Roth.1687    Along with the $42.5 billion that Congress provided for the1688broadband program known as BEAD, we also provided nearly $31689billion to help ensure all Americans have the skills and the1690knowledge to participate in the online world. Those funds are1691critical to ensure that all Americans can benefit from the1692digital revolution. In Massachusetts, for example, residents1693express difficulties finding jobs online and obtaining other1694important services. This funding will help close those gaps.1695    Ms. Roth, if confirmed, will you commit to fulfilling1696NTIA's legal obligation to provide the money authorized and1697appropriated by Congress for this program?1698    Ms. Roth. Senator, I will always abide by the law, and also1699thank you so much for meeting with me in your office. It was1700such an honor to meet with someone who has had such an1701influence on my career with so many pieces of legislation that1702you authored in the telecom sector. Thank you.1703    Senator Markey. Thank you, and I am glad I got to help to1704provide employment for you and so many others at the Federal1705Communications Commission over the years.1706    [Laughter.]1707    Senator Markey. And thank you for that. I am glad to hear1708that. Many of my colleagues have raised the Trump1709administration's ongoing review of the BEAD program and the1710impact of any potential changes of the program. Massachusetts1711has been allocated $147 million in BEAD funding, and began1712accepting applications from providers in January. Just1713yesterday, Arkansas announced results from their second round1714of their application process. Other states are in a similar1715position.1716    Given the Commerce Department's review, should states just1717stop accepting applications and indefinitely pause their1718program, and just save the money?1719    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. As I have not been confirmed1720yet I have not had a chance to confer with NTIA's career staff,1721and I have not been involved in the review process. I would1722hope that any review conducted by NTIA is expeditious with the1723goal of expediting buildout.1724    Senator Markey. Yes, well, will you commit to a quick1725timeline for when the review will be complete?1726    Ms. Roth. As I have not been confirmed, I am not in a1727position to commit to a specific timeline, but I will commit1728that my goal would be a very expeditious timeline.1729    Senator Markey. That is great, because I am very worried1730that changes to the program will cause serious delays in1731deploying broadband right as states are ready to get shovels in1732the ground.1733    Now I would like to talk about a specific change that the1734Trump administration appears to be pushing for BEAD, turning1735the program into a subsidy for Elon Musk's Starlink. Under the1736guise of making the program, quote, ``technology neutral,'' the1737Trump administration may eliminate the program's preference for1738fiber and make satellite providers like Starlink eligible for1739BEAD funding, in all circumstances.1740    Ms. Roth, do you support that change?1741    Ms. Roth. Senator, as I said before, I would administer the1742law consistent with the statute, and to the benefit of the1743American people, not for any specific individual or company. I1744do believe that Congress wrote the law in a technology-neutral1745manner, and that means an all-of-the-above solution that1746recognizes different realities across different parts of the1747country.1748    Senator Markey. OK. Well, let's be clear. Let's be clear.1749The BEAD program never excluded satellite broadband, but it did1750limit it. It did limit it to areas where fiber was excessively1751expensive. That is in the law. And that is because while1752satellite broadband may be cheaper to deploy in some locations1753in the short term, it costs far more to service and maintain in1754the long run.1755    So Ms. Roth, do you agree that fiber is a cheaper1756technology in the long run?1757    Ms. Roth. Senator, I would want to confer with NTIA's1758career staff before assessing a specific product or technology.1759And I look forward to working with you to ensure that1760Massachusetts gets what it needs.1761    Senator Markey. It is not just Massachusetts. It is the1762whole country.1763    Ms. Roth. Absolutely.1764    Senator Markey. Because this satellite versus fiber1765question is very central, and according to a Bloomberg article1766yesterday, for example, one state official found that fiber1767would save households $15,600 over a 30-year period. And I ask1768that article be included in the record, Mr. Chairman.1769    Chairman Cruz. Without objection.1770    [The information referred to follows:]17711772    Senator Markey. So, Mr. Roth, I strongly urge you to oppose1773this giveaway to Elon Musk and ensure that the BEAD program1774delivers for all Americans, and that we not adopt a more costly1775approach, because that surely will drain the funding that could1776have been used more efficiently.1777    So I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back.1778    Chairman Cruz. I thank the Senator from Massachusetts, and1779I would note that in 4 years the Biden administration managed1780to connect zero households with the $42 billion that Congress1781gave them. And one of the reasons was the Biden administration,1782I think, engaged in petulant and partisan politics by1783blacklisting Elon Musk and Starlink, which is technology that1784could have connected particularly households in distant rural1785places. And I think it was purely partisan.1786    And I would note we saw this underscored just last week,1787when two American astronauts finally came back from the1788International Space Station, when SpaceX flew them back, and1789Elon offered, months ago, to fly them back. And because the1790Biden administration suffered from Elon Derangement Syndrome,1791they stranded our astronauts in space for many months, rather1792than accept the only ride back that could bring them from the1793Station.1794    Senator Markey. If the Senator would yield?1795    Chairman Cruz. Sure.1796    Senator Markey. I thank you. So, you know, to the extent to1797which the Biden administration did authorize, last July, to1798contract with SpaceX in order to complete that mission, I think1799we should note that it began in the Biden administration.1800    And to the extent to which if we do move forward now with1801deployment of the BEAD program, all I am asking, is if that be1802the case, that we just do it in the most efficient way. That is1803something that Elon would want.1804    Chairman Cruz. On that we are agreed.1805    Senator Markey. And if it is clear that it is fiber and not1806Starlink, that that be the approach which is taken by the1807Administration. Because if we do it that way, we will save more1808money for the consumers over time.1809    Let's look forward. Let's look to the future and our1810opportunities----1811    Chairman Cruz. You know, I am a pushover when you do your1812JFK impression.1813    Senator Markey. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1814    Chairman Cruz. Senator Hickenlooper.18151816             STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN HICKENLOOPER,1817                   U.S. SENATOR FROM COLORADO18181819    Senator Hickenlooper. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Ms.1820Roth. I appreciate the time you spent carved out for us in the1821office.1822    Let's start with the Spectrum Relocation Fund. The SRF1823provides funding to the Federal Government to research the1824feasibility of modifying and, if necessary, upgrading Federal1825systems that use spectrum. But it is limited to only1826reimbursing a Federal agency where necessary costs to update a1827system of, quote/unquote, ``comparable capability.'' Now many1828Federal agencies have stated that SRF limits their ability to1829upgrade their systems that use spectrum and continue fulfilling1830their missions.1831    So, Ms. Roth, do you believe that SRF could be reformed to1832better incentivize agencies to share or reallocate spectrum?1833Why or why not?1834    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator, and thank you for meeting1835with me in your office. I think we should be trying to find1836efficiencies, where possible, consistent with national1837security. And I am aware of debates over SRF and how to make it1838more effective. It would be an honor to work with your office1839on this issue.1840    Senator Hickenlooper. Great. Well, I think that is1841something we are eager to do, and I appreciate your openness to1842that.1843    It is my chance to talk about BEAD, as we all do, and1844talked about it a little bit in the office. Obviously, many1845projects, but broadband, especially, saw significant1846investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. And I think1847we believe that improvements can be made that maintain the1848community input but improve the permitting process, again, like1849we have heard from various of us, moving things along.1850    What is your view on how NTIA can help states address1851permitting issues that may come up as BEAD projects begin1852construction? As you are aware, Colorado is kind of a model1853child in that sense that we have satellite, we have fiber, and1854then we have normal cell towers.1855    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. As I said, expediting the1856program, and specifically expediting buildout, would be my1857priority, if confirmed. And permitting is certainly one thing1858that I would want to look at as a potential solution to1859expediting the buildout side. It can also make the deployment1860of broadband less costly, and that is what we want is to get1861the best bang for the taxpayer's buck so that our dollars are1862stretched as far as possible, so that we can deliver broadband1863to all Americans in an expeditious and efficient manner.1864    Senator Hickenlooper. I think that is exactly the right1865approach, and there is certainly a backlog. It is a little bit1866like watching the mongoose going through the python. It is kind1867of blocked up for a while, but now hopefully it will start1868going very, very quickly, and get that money spent wisely.1869    Again, back to spectrum and a little bit about interagency1870coordination. Many would argue that there is always room for1871improvement when Federal agencies are trying to work together.1872It is not a natural condition of the species. In recent years,1873the FCC and the NTIA updated a memorandum of understanding that1874goes all the way--it was first signed in 2003--it goes all the1875way back relative to planning and coordination of spectrum.1876    What are your plans, or how do you see us doing the best1877job to maintain close communications with the FCC to ensure1878that these spectrum decisions are evidence-based and will hold1879up over the long term?1880    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. NTIA has historically1881maintained a close relationship with the FCC. That is something1882I would certainly want to continue, if I am fortunate to be1883confirmed as NTIA administrator. And part of that would be1884certainly reviewing the Memorandum of Understanding. If there1885are improvements to be made in NTIA and FCC's coordination, it1886is something I would be honored to work on.1887    Senator Hickenlooper. Great. And then one last question,1888which you will not be able to answer completely. But I think1889relative to your position, assuming that you are confirmed to1890the NTIA, there is a rising tide of issues around AI--AI1891development, the data center growth, how that affects energy1892demand. How would you position NTIA to help facilitate the1893resolution of those challenges?1894    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. AI is very important and1895America's leadership in AI is very important to ensure that we1896remain the global leader in AI and do not cede that leadership1897to our adversaries. I think one way to advance that is through1898expanding spectrum access and finding efficiencies, because AI1899is going to place increased demand on our networks, so any1900efficiencies that we can find consistent with national security1901will, in the long run, protect our country and our global1902technology leadership.1903    Senator Hickenlooper. Great. Thank you so much, and I1904appreciate how concise your answers are. If you can run the1905agency that concisely, there will be good things ahead.1906    Thank you. I yield back to the Chair.1907    Chairman Cruz. Thank you. Senator Peters.19081909                STATEMENT OF HON. GARY PETERS,1910                   U.S. SENATOR FROM MICHIGAN19111912    Senator Peters. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Roth, good to1913see you and congratulations on your nomination to serve as the1914Assistant Secretary. And it is nice to see that your family is1915here, as well. It is not easy to corral all of that, but you1916are able to do it, so congratulations.1917    I believe that one of our biggest achievements over the1918past few years was indeed the passage of Broadband Equity1919Access and Deployment program, the BEAD Act, which has been1920coming up quite a bit during this hearing. Coming from1921Michigan, this is certainly a critical program. It has been a1922massive undertaking. Michigan has embraced it and believe that1923it will connect everyone with the fastest, most reliable1924Internet possible.1925    Right now, Michigan is nearing the end of its procurement1926process to identify providers who will bring broadband to over1927368,000 underserved locations across my state. And I believe we1928cannot move backward with the program. To that end, I have got1929a couple of questions for you, and talk about concise, you can1930answer yes or no. So you can be very concise with it.1931    First question is, if confirmed, will you oppose changes to1932the BEAD program that would require states to restart1933subgrantee processes currently underway, something that I would1934believe would lead to over a year of delays. So would you1935oppose those? Yes or no?1936    Ms. Roth. Senator, as I have not been confirmed I am not in1937a position to make a specific commitment. I will commit to you1938that I would work to expedite the program as much as possible1939so that Michiganders gain access to broadband as quickly as1940possible.1941    Senator Peters. OK. Well, we would want to work with you,1942if confirmed, to make sure that that indeed happens.1943    You have previously discussed BEAD program's tech1944neutrality. That neutrality, as you know, is already built into1945the program. Starlink and other satellite Internet companies1946will be eligible to be part of the Michigan procurement1947process. However--and this is a big however--up until now1948states have been able to exercise the judgment as to when they1949can get underserved communities the most reliable, the fastest,1950the most cost-effective Internet possible, which is often fiber1951optics. It depends on the area. It depends on how rural you1952are. A lot of factors. But the states are making those1953decisions, based on the unique characteristics there.1954    So my question for you--again, a yes or no would work--if1955confirmed, will you continue to allow states to make a call1956about which technology they believe will best serve the1957communities in their individual states?1958    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. I believe that one of the1959reasons that the BEAD program has been so slow to roll out is1960because of excessive bureaucracy imposed by the Federal1961Government. I would hope that we could remove some of that red1962tape to get the program in a position to deploy as quickly as1963possible.1964    Senator Peters. So can I take from that answer you say get1965rid of the red tape, let states make that decision, the Federal1966Government should not insert themselves in that?1967    Ms. Roth. If confirmed, I would certainly want to work with1968all the state broadband offices to better understand their1969needs and to ensure that the program is serving the interests1970of each state, and not subjecting them to excessive red tape.1971    Senator Peters. So red tape meaning Federal Government1972dictating to a state. You would not want to see that. That does1973not sound like what I am hearing from you. A state should be1974able to decide their own. Correct?1975    Ms. Roth. Uh----1976    Senator Peters. You can be real concise, yes or no?1977    Ms. Roth. I will abide by the law, Senator, to remove1978excessive red tape.1979    Senator Peters. OK. As you know, the Bipartisan1980Infrastructure Law allows states to utilize BEAD funds for1981certain non-deployment purposes. I believe it is essential that1982we allow states, again, to maintain this flexibility--I am all1983about states having flexibility--specifically when it comes to1984workforce and digital skills training, but also to allow states1985to ensure that communities that newly have access to broadband1986actually sign up to connect.1987    So my question is, if confirmed, will you work to ensure1988states have the broadest possible flexibility in the use of1989these funds--I think I am hearing that when you say you want to1990get rid of red tape. So yes or no, will you work to ensure1991states have the broadest possible flexibility in how they use1992their funds?1993    Ms. Roth. Senator, I certainly agree with the goal of1994ensuring that states have what they need in order to get1995broadband to their constituents as quickly as possible. I will1996abide by the law.1997    Senator Peters. Very good. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1998    Chairman Cruz. Thank you. Senator Cantwell.1999    Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Roth, in2000your testimony you basically said a couple of times you want to2001make sure everybody gets covered. It is not the direct2002responsibility of NTIA, but do you think we should have allowed2003the ACP program to end?2004    Ms. Roth. Senator, I have been nominated to NTIA, which did2005not administer the ACP. That was the FCC's role. I agree with2006the goal of ensuring that broadband is affordable to all2007Americans.2008    Senator Cantwell. So if you had your preferences you would2009prefer that a program like that, even if it was not ACP, you2010would prefer a program like that existed?2011    Ms. Roth. Senator, I have not been confirmed. I do think2012the Administration has taken a position on this. I think2013broadband should be affordable for all Americans. It is2014something that requires an all-of-the-above solution. The2015particular way you go about it is something that I would be2016happy to work with you on.2017    Senator Cantwell. Yes. Well, I do think it has been as2018affordable for a segment of the population that is below, let's2019say, $50,000 to $40,000 of income. The studies and analysis2020show they cannot afford it. So I think that is where the gap2021is, and my personal opinion is that is what we should have2022focused on as we were looking at BEAD.2023    I do not agree with the critique of the Chairman about the2024BEAD program on the length of time and the deployment, because2025basically instead of letting the FCC, who I also agree was not2026doing a good enough job answering this question, we basically2027said, OK, we are going to take it out of the hands of the FCC,2028and now we are going to give it to states, and now they have to2029set this up, and then they can get the money, and then they can2030start the deployment. And that took longer.2031    So I personally thought we should have drilled down on this2032little problem, which is the affordability issue for, you could2033call them late adopters. I call them people who cannot afford2034broadband. And we should have focused more on that as a2035Congress. But our colleagues, who were also frustrated--Maine,2036Alaska, various states--you know, very frustrated, basically2037said oh no, we are just going to get our states involved.2038    Well, when states get involved it becomes complex, and I2039also do not agree about the Starlink example of not being2040something to be concerned about, because we had, in our state--2041look, Starlink deployments are very good for particular areas,2042and we could see a lot more competition in the future, so we2043are not even ruling that out.2044    But we had decisions made where Tribal areas basically went2045ahead and pushed with the state to get a satellite solution,2046only to find that they had to have a backcall out, that nobody2047had calculated when they made that decision to make that2048commitment to Starlink.2049    So I do think we have to have really smart and technical2050people involved in this. I really do think that we have to2051figure out how we are going to get broadband connectivity to2052lower-income Americans, and I hope that you will think about2053this for the record, about how you can commit to that. Because2054even though you are not the core entity, I do think this2055Committee has said, over time, they are kind of tired with us2056not having the solutions and they want NTIA to play a larger2057role. We are not giving you that responsibility, but we are2058saying they do hope that NTIA plays a larger role on broadband,2059in general. And I think that is because they are frustrated.2060    So that gets me to the next question about technical2061expertise. You are a policy person, right? I do not know2062everything about your background, but you are mostly a policy2063realm, right?2064    Ms. Roth. I think that is pretty accurate.2065    Senator Cantwell. Yes, OK. So what do you think that you2066will do at NTIA to get a more technical team? The last person2067in your job was a very technical person. I am not saying one2068thing or another about that. I am just saying what are you2069going to do to build the technical expertise under you or with2070you at NTIA?2071    Ms. Roth. Thank you, Senator. I have had the honor of2072working with so many technical experts at NTIA over the years,2073particularly in the Office of Spectrum Management, at the ITS.2074I look forward to working with NTIA's distinguished career2075staff and working with them. It is something that, at the FCC,2076as well, there were attorneys and then there were technical2077experts, and we all have to work together to find the right2078solution.2079    Senator Cantwell. Well, we got into arguments with2080agencies. You know, it was NOAA's scientists versus somebody2081else's scientists. What is the type of expertise you think we2082have to get at NTIA so that we are forward leaning and building2083that kind of expertise that we can use to get coordination2084within the Federal Government?2085    Ms. Roth. Thank you. No, it is a good question. I think we2086need a mix of different expertise to address the tremendous2087challenges that we face on spectrum, on getting broadband2088connected. I look forward to working with your office on2089ensuring that we achieve these goals.2090    Senator Cantwell. But you agree, if NTIA is going to play2091this role, which I think our Committee thinks that it should,2092and historically we have been moving toward this, that NTIA has2093to have the technical horsepower to help succeed in the policy2094development?2095    Ms. Roth. Yes. One thing I look forward to is getting to2096know NTIA's staff better. I have gotten to know some of them2097over the years, and I would welcome the opportunity to better2098understand NTIA's staffing needs.2099    Senator Cantwell. Well, one of the reasons I bring this up2100is the Chairman, earlier this morning at a hearing on the fatal2101crash at DCA, General Braman, confirmed that despite FAA2102warnings the Secret Service and Navy have been actively jamming2103spectrum used by aircraft collision avoidance systems at DCA.2104So if confirmed, you will play a vital role in that2105coordination process.2106    So do you agree that national security and public safety2107risks, that we have to figure out how to work on these issues,2108and that NTIA has to help resolve these issues?2109    Ms. Roth. Absolutely. NTIA has to work with other Federal2110agencies to resolve technical disagreements, to ensure that2111national security and public safety are protected. It is an2112essential part of the interagency process.2113    Senator Cantwell. So in that regard, do you agree that2114NTIA--well, first of all, the report that NTIA did that was2115about dynamic spectrum sharing, did you review that? I am2116assuming you did. I can't remember if you were part of our2117secure brief last year on this.2118    Ms. Roth. I am not immediately familiar with which2119particular report you are referring to. Of course, NTIA has2120done a lot of research on spectrum innovation that I am2121familiar with.2122    Senator Cantwell. So do you agree that NTIA, DoD, and other2123agencies must complete ongoing studies of the low gigahertz,2124you know, 3 GHz and 7 and 8 GHz band, before making a decision2125to reallocate that spectrum?2126    Ms. Roth. If confirmed, I look forward to figuring out what2127the status of those studies are and learning more. I know NTIA2128has some very accomplished technical experts that are working2129on studies, and I look forward to working with them.2130    Senator Cantwell. So do you think that before we do an2131allocation that we should have that information?2132    Ms. Roth. I believe that any allocation of spectrum needs2133to take feasibility studies into account and ensure that our2134national security is protected as well as Federal missions.2135    Senator Cantwell. Well, I am bringing this up because I2136think it was your witness, Matt Pearl, Director of Emergency2137Technology at CSIS, that was at a recent hearing, and he2138basically said yes, before we move forward obviously the2139Chairman does have a proposal to move forward without doing2140that study and analysis. So I am just trying to understand2141whether you think that is vital to do. Because in reality, your2142job is going to be the person who is going to try to help solve2143all this, right. So I am just trying to get a sense of whether2144you are going to move from one position here to this larger2145coordination position, and whether you are going to make sure2146that the analysis, so important to DoD, gets done?2147    Ms. Roth. Senator, I believe that national security needs2148to be paramount in any effort to reallocate spectrum, and2149spectrum studies and interagency coordination are a huge part2150of that.2151    Senator Cantwell. OK. So I am going to ask you, for the2152record, to give you a little more time to just say yes or no,2153whether that has to be completed. I will write it up for you,2154and on the 3 GHz and 7 and 8, whether that has to be completed2155before Congress goes ahead and does the allocation. There are a2156couple of different ways this could work. You certainly could2157write into the reconciliation bill that all that would have to2158be done. We are saying it has to be done. And obviously that is2159what we accomplished in the last administration is getting DoD2160and NTIA to agree. So we would like to see the very technical2161analysis that has to happen be done, given the complaint.2162    So just for the record, my colleagues have asked a lot2163about BEAD funding, and that is great. That means I do not have2164to ask as much. The BEAD funding allocations, under law,2165include $3.3 billion to Texas, $405 million to Nebraska, $4512166to Kansas, $1.2 billion to West Virginia, $1 billion to Alaska.2167These are commitments that have been already committed, and2168households. So will you commit to preserving these allocations2169that NTIA made to each state in 2023, including I think about2170$1 billion to my home state of Washington?2171    Ms. Roth. Senator, I will abide by the law.2172    Senator Cantwell. Is your interpretation of that law that,2173yes, you will go ahead and make those allocations?2174    Ms. Roth. I cannot commit to any specific outcomes as I2175have not been confirmed. But I will certainly----2176    Senator Cantwell. You are saying you do not know what the2177Administration is going to do. Is that what you are saying?2178    Ms. Roth. I have not been confirmed yet. I have not had an2179opportunity to look into this issue yet. But I will2180absolutely----2181    Senator Cantwell. Well, you know the policy. You do know2182the policy, right? You know that was our intent, and the money2183has now been allocated. So it is whether you think that those2184commitments made in 2023 should be upheld?2185    Ms. Roth. I believe that NTIA--if confirmed, I look forward2186to reviewing those allocations and ensuring that the program is2187compliant with the law. I will always abide by the law,2188Senator, and I look forward to working with you on the BEAD2189program.2190    Senator Cantwell. Thank you. I would have like to have a2191stronger commitment, but we will get back to you on the 3 GHz2192in a written answer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2193    Chairman Cruz. Thank you, Senator Cantwell. I will note2194that Senator Cantwell mentioned my pipeline legislation, that2195it did not require a feasibility study. Under the terms of the2196legislation it actually directs the interagency to identify 6002197MHz that can be made available to the private sector, and to2198engage in that interagency discussion, and that includes2199necessarily a technical and feasibility study. What it does not2200do is give DoD the ability to slow-walk studies into eternity2201and block spectrum from being made available for job creation2202and to ensure that America beats China in 5G and 6G.2203    I will also note earlier that Senator Markey, somewhat2204oddly, claimed that the Biden administration's partisan and2205political blacklisting of Starlink because they dislike Elon2206Musk, which had the consequence of denying many Americans2207broadband connectivity, he claimed it was somehow consistent2208with the statute. And I just want to read into the record the2209language of the statute, 47 USC 1705(a)(4) which reads, quote,2210``The term 'covered broadband project' means a competitively2211and technologically neutral project for the deployment of fixed2212broadband service that provides qualifying broadband service in2213an eligible service area.''2214    So that was written directly into the statute, that it was2215meant to be technologically neutral. And if Elon Musk had2216decided to be a ginormous Democrat donor, I have no doubt that2217the Biden administration would have pulled out a pinata and2218celebrated Starlink providing broadband. But because he was on2219the other side politically, the American people paid the price2220and did not get connected to the internet.2221    Senator Cantwell. Mr. Chairman, if I could----2222    Chairman Cruz. Sure.2223    Senator Cantwell.--just on this issue. I think your example2224this morning at an earlier Committee hearing, we do have2225interference, and it does affect the safety of aviation, and2226could affect the safety of other things. And so I just hope2227that we will get to this point where we are working to make2228America competitive by having the dynamic spectrum sharing and2229the best expertise as a nation, but trying to put one cart in2230front of the other without answering those technical questions2231is a big concern, I think, for a lot of people here.2232    Listen, Starlink, as I mentioned, is providing service in2233my state and doing so in great capacity. But I do think that2234states, you know, I am not as big a personal fan of what2235happened because we moved the technical expertise from a very2236technical group of people, albeit they were not moving fast2237enough, the FCC, to another group of people at states, and then2238they also did not necessarily answer some of these questions.2239    So I do think that communities need to know what they are2240getting, and they need to know that the solution, particularly2241on fiber that they may need to have their data also transferred2242out of the community, is an important point.2243    So I think it is safe to say we are going to have a lot of2244conversations about spectrum, about broadband, and continuing2245this. But I really hope that these various sectors would work2246together. I really do believe in the CHIPS and Science Act. I2247do believe that one of the competitive things for our Nation is2248to get deployment, but also get national security.2249    So thank you, Mr. Chairman.2250    Chairman Cruz. And it is certainly right that we have to do2251these technically correct. I will note that we had interference2252at DCA because the Navy screwed up and did not listen to the2253FAA, and that is not how this is supposed to operate.2254    Ms. Roth, my final question is required of all nominees. If2255confirmed, do you pledge to work collaboratively with this2256Committee to provide thorough and timely responses to this2257Committee's requests and to appear before the Committee, when2258requested?2259    Ms. Roth. Yes, Senator.2260    Chairman Cruz. Thank you. I have 15 letters of support from2261various organizations for Ms. Roth's nomination to be Assistant2262Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information that I2263ask unanimous consent to be inserted into the hearing record.2264Without objection, so ordered.2265    [The information referred to follows:]22662267    Chairman Cruz. Senators will have until the close of2268business Monday, March 31, to submit questions for the record.2269The nominee will have until the close of business Friday, April22704, to respond to those questions.2271    This concludes today's hearing. And, by the way, your2272children performed their task beautifully. A terrific success.2273The Committee is adjourned.2274    [Whereupon, at 3:46 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]22752276                            A P P E N D I X22772278     Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Thune to2279                              Arielle Roth2280    Question 1. Can you detail NTIA's role in the Federal government's2281administration of spectrum? Specifically, can you clarify how Federal2282agencies coordinate to resolve issues when a conflict arises between2283commercial users and Federal agencies' use of spectrum?2284    Answer. As mandated in its enabling statute, NTIA is the2285coordinator of Federal spectrum and assigns spectrum to Federal2286agencies. NTIA is also the President's advisor on spectrum and is2287tasked with promoting the best and most efficient use of spectrum. NTIA2288does not auction spectrum or have auction authority--that is the domain2289of the FCC--but has traditionally helped the FCC with identifying2290spectrum for auctions.2291    In its role as the coordinator of Federal spectrum, NTIA plays a2292central role in ensuring that Federal spectrum users are able to meet2293their critical missions and works to protect these missions when non-2294federal users, including commercial entities, seek access to federally2295held or adjacent spectrum. While balancing these interests is complex,2296NTIA works closely with other agencies on spectrum coordination2297primarily through the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC)--2298an interagency committee that advises NTIA on frequency assignments for2299Federal agencies and other policies and technical issues pertaining to2300spectrum management.2301    NTIA is also responsible for representing the view of the Executive2302Branch on spectrum matters before the FCC, including by maintaining2303clear and frequent channels of communication with the FCC.2304    This process helps ensure that spectrum is put to its best and2305highest use, supporting innovation and national priorities alike.23062307    Question 2. As the FCC looks to expand access to additional2308licensed spectrum, do you expect the same coordination that you have2309detailed to continue across agencies to ensure our national security2310interests are not compromised in the future?2311    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to not only maintain but, where2312possible, improve the close coordinating relationship with all Federal2313agencies, including the Department of Defense, to protect national2314security and other critical Federal missions.23152316    Question 3. How will you work to ensure more spectrum is used2317efficiently and made available for commercial use, including both2318licensed and unlicensed technologies?2319    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with NTIA's technical experts and2320other Federal agencies to look for efficiencies in the Federal2321government's use of spectrum while protecting national security and2322public safety. With advances in technology, there is likely to be an2323ever-increasing demand for a variety of users to access spectrum and2324opportunities to continue to evolve in our efforts to manage spectrum.23252326    Question 4. If confirmed, will you commit to working with Secretary2327Lutnick on his review of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment2328program to ensure that broadband funds are deployed quickly and2329efficiently to truly unserved areas?2330    Answer. Yes.23312332    Question 5. The NTIA has not been reauthorized by Congress since23331992. What, if any, specific reforms should Congress consider if a2334reauthorization effort comes together, and will you commit to working2335with the members of this Committee on Commerce, Science, and2336Transportation on a reauthorization effort?2337    Answer. I commit to working with this Committee on any legislative2338efforts as requested. As I have not yet been confirmed, it would be2339premature for me to weigh in on reforms to NTIA for Congress to2340consider. I would welcome the opportunity to work with your office on2341this issue upon confirmation. And if Congress were to pass NTIA2342reauthorization legislation, I would faithfully implement it.2343                                 ______23442345    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Deb Fischer to2346                              Arielle Roth2347    Question 1. I appreciated meeting with you last week. As we talked2348about, you will have a crucial role managing Federal government2349spectrum, if you are confirmed to lead the National Telecommunications2350and Information Administration (NTIA). I also appreciated your2351understanding of how critical the Iron Dome has been to Israel's2352missile defense, and how President Trump's plans for the United States'2353own Golden Dome--which will need to defend against different and more2354complex threats--are essential to our national security. As USSTRATCOM2355and USSPACECOM testified publicly on March 26, 2025, these plans2356involve key bands of Department of Defense spectrum, including the 3.1-23573.45 gigahertz (GHz) and the 7/8 GHz bands. A few questions related to2358this matter are below:23592360    a. In situations of potential reallocation, should DOD co-lead2361feasibility studies on its spectrum assignments with NTIA? Please2362answer yes or no.2363    Answer. The Department of Defense should have a seat at the table2364in any study or discussion affecting its use of spectrum. Per NTIA's2365enabling statute, NTIA oversees and leads the Federal government's use2366of spectrum, assigns spectrum to agencies, and serves as the2367President's principal advisor on telecommunications and spectrum2368management.2369    If confirmed, I will work to not only maintain but, where possible,2370improve NTIA's close coordinating relationship with all Federal2371agencies, including the Department of Defense, to protect national2372security and other critical Federal missions.23732374    b. Are there segments of the 3.1-3.45 GHz band that should be2375auctioned for full-power use, in your view? If yes, would you please2376identify the specific frequencies?2377    Answer. As with any spectrum decision affecting Federal missions,2378national security and public safety must be paramount. Since I have not2379yet been confirmed, I have not yet had an opportunity to review the2380status of studies affecting this band or consult with technical or2381national security experts at NTIA or the Department of Defense. As2382such, it would be premature for me to take a position on what, if any,2383segments of this band should be auctioned.23842385    c. Are there segments of the 7.125-8.4 GHz band that should be2386auctioned for full-power use, in your view? If yes, would you please2387identify the specific frequencies?2388    Answer. As with any spectrum decision affecting Federal missions,2389national security and public safety must be paramount. Since I have not2390been confirmed, I have not yet had an opportunity to review the status2391of studies affecting this band or confer with technical or national2392security experts at NTIA or the Department of Defense. As such, it2393would be premature for me to take a position on what, if any, segments2394of this band should be auctioned.23952396    Question 2. Should the estimates of spectrum auction revenues also2397include calculations of the relocation costs for incumbent systems?2398Please answer yes or no.2399    Answer. Yes.24002401    Question 3. Do China's lower 3 band frequencies from 3.3-3.4 GHz2402have limits for low-power use for indoor coverage?2403    Answer. Yes.24042405    Question 4. Given that there is no statutory definition of low-,2406mid-, or high-band spectrum, what is your understanding of where mid-2407band spectrum begins and ends--which two frequencies, specifically?2408    Answer. My understanding of mid-band is functional, rather than2409focused on a defined set of frequencies. It refers to spectrum that2410offers a balance of coverage of speed, and is suitable for data-heavy,2411reliable, and low-latency mobile broadband communications. Most ranges2412I have seen focus on spectrum start between 1 GHz and 2 GHz and end2413between 7 GHz and 12 GHz.24142415    Question 5. Do you believe that exclusively licensed spectrum is2416more valuable than unlicensed spectrum? How would you prioritize them2417in managing Federal spectrum, if you are confirmed?2418    Answer. I believe that U.S. global technology leadership depends on2419an efficient and effective use of spectrum through an all-of-the-above2420approach: licensed, unlicensed, full-power, low-power, and satellite2421use. The Federal government also relies on a variety of spectrum use2422cases to perform critical missions. However, licensing and power rules2423regarding commercial spectrum are generally a matter for the FCC, not2424NTIA.24252426    Question 6. I am looking forward to Nebraska finally getting its2427BEAD program dollars out the door. The state has a strong plan that2428abides by its budget, includes robust stakeholder feedback, and would2429ensure broadband services reach all remaining unserved households.24302431    a. How long do you expect to see the current review period on the2432BEAD program take?24332434    b. If confirmed, would you commit to keeping Nebraska's current2435BEAD plan on track without delays?24362437    c. If confirmed, would you implement a new per-location funding cap2438on initial BEAD plans that have already been approved? If so:24392440    i. What would a reasonable threshold for a per-location cap be?24412442    ii. Would such a cap be an overall maximum per location, or would2443it be a statewide average?2444    Answer. Connecting every American to broadband expeditiously is my2445top priority and I agree that the Department must move quickly to2446complete review of Nebraska's plan. If confirmed, I look forward to2447working with Secretary Lutnick and NTIA staff to expedite the BEAD2448program, get funding to the states, and expand broadband buildout,2449consistent with the law. I look forward to working with NTIA's career2450staff and state broadband offices to cut red tape and unnecessary2451bureaucracy, to avoid further delays and minimize work for states,2452consistent with the law.2453    If confirmed and the issue of a per-location cap were to come up, I2454would consult with legal counsel, NTIA's career staff, state broadband2455offices, and industry stakeholders, as appropriate. Moreover, a per-2456location cap, should it come up, would need to account for2457consideration of high-cost areas, including high-cost Tribal areas.2458                                 ______24592460    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Dan Sullivan to2461                              Arielle Roth2462    Question 1. As I have shared with this Committee time and again,2463Alaska is different, and I need you to recognize that difference as you2464take the helm at NTIA. In Alaska, broadband access is critical for our2465communities, yet the terrain is unlike anywhere else. The weather is2466extreme. The building season is short. And, the permitting process is2467challenged by Federal land ownership. No other state has so many remote2468communities that are unconnected from any other infrastructure such as2469roads or utilities.2470    In all likelihood, you're going to be put in charge of an2471unprecedented amount of broadband grant funding. It is critical that we2472get this right. Will you commit to come to Alaska to appreciate our2473unique challenges, and to evaluate Alaskan state and tribal applicants2474with these challenges in mind?2475    Answer. I recognize the uniqueness of Alaska's broadband2476challenges--something I came to learn through my years working at the2477FCC on programs like the Alaska Plan and the Rural Health Care Program.2478It would be my honor to visit Alaska. If confirmed, I commit to2479implementing all of NTIA's legal requirements, including by taking into2480account Alaska's unique challenges when reviewing the state's2481applications.24822483    Question 2. In October, NTIA announced that Alaska will be2484obligated over $1 billion. I know you are aware of the criticisms that2485have been made that the Biden Administration layered on requirements2486that are beyond the IIJA law in the BEAD NOFO.2487    I ask that you remove the Biden-era extraneous regulations as you2488review the BEAD program, and do so quickly as time is money for2489applicants. We have great needs in Alaska with unserved areas. Will you2490commit to that?2491    Answer. Connecting every American to broadband expeditiously is my2492top priority. If confirmed, I look forward to working with NTIA's2493career staff and state broadband offices to cut red tape and2494unnecessary bureaucracy, to avoid further delays and minimize work for2495states, consistent with the law. If confirmed, I will work with2496Secretary Lutnick and NTIA staff to expedite the BEAD program, get2497funding to the states, and expand broadband buildout, consistent with2498the law.24992500    Question 3. The BEAD program's success depends on allowing states2501to lead. Alaska knows best where broadband is lacking and understands2502the challenges presented by our low population density, extreme2503weather, and difficult terrain. Federal requirements should not impose2504one-size-fits-all solutions but instead empower states to design2505deployment strategies that work for their specific circumstances.2506    Will you commit to me that NTIA will defer to states in making2507choices that they believe will deliver the best possible broadband for2508their consumers and communities given the amount of funding they have?2509    Answer. I recognize that every state is different and there is no2510one-size-fits-all solution. I agree that states should have flexibility2511to tailor solutions to their individual circumstances, consistent with2512the law.2513    If confirmed, I will work with states to deliver the best broadband2514service possible for their constituents, consistent with NTIA's2515statutory authority.25162517    Question 4. The unique challenges due to our vast, remote, and2518rugged terrain make technology neutrality truly critical to serving2519Alaskans. We need a combination of technologies to be available,2520including fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite.2521    Notably, Alaska lacks middle mile fiber, and these projects play a2522critical role bridging the gap between core Internet networks and local2523communities. Given Alaska's vast and remote geography, reliable middle2524mile infrastructure is essential to connecting underserved and unserved2525areas and for supporting healthcare, education, and economic2526development. By addressing the unique challenges of Alaska terrain,2527middle mile fiber ensures Internet access for generations to come.2528    If a one-sized-fits-all per location cap is put in place for fiber2529for projects in Alaska, it is hard to image how any projects will be2530built for my constituents. Will you commit to working with me to ensure2531that resources are allocated in a manner that takes into consideration2532the needs of Alaskans?2533    Answer. Yes.25342535    Question 5. The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) is2536intended to spur economic development and create opportunities for2537remote employment, online entrepreneurship, remote learning, and2538telehealth in remote Tribal communities.2539    Given the size of the broadband challenge in Alaska--and given the2540limited resources available in Alaska to implement this program--some2541of Alaska's TBCP projects require attention by NTIA to make sure2542funding is deployed efficiently and effectively.25432544    Will you commit to working with Alaska's Tribal entities to address2545the unique challenges of deploying broadband infrastructure in our2546state to make sure this program works as intended?2547    Answer. Yes.2548Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Shelley Moore Capito to25492550                              Arielle Roth2551Question 1--BEAD Review Status2552    Mrs. Roth, as we discussed in our meeting, I am very interested in2553seeing West Virginia benefit from the BEAD program. While I can't2554believe after 3 and a half years we still have not seen a single2555location connected from this program. I know that my state is right on2556the cusp of having its final proposal ready and will be granted a 90-2557day extension of its deadline in late April.2558    While I am all for improvements to BEAD to speed up deployment2559taking a long review and making states like mine wait longer does not2560make sense. The review started 3 weeks ago and not many details have2561been made public. I did have a productive call with Secretary Lutnick2562last week, but I expect that he will rely on your broadband expertise2563when it comes to BEAD.25642565   In your opinion, is July a reasonable deadline for the2566        review to be completed?2567    Answer. As I have not yet been confirmed, I cannot commit to a2568specific timeline for such review. However, connecting every American2569to broadband expeditiously is my top priority. If confirmed, I look2570forward to working with Secretary Lutnick and NTIA staff to expedite2571the BEAD program, get funding to West Virginia, and expand broadband2572buildout, consistent with the law. I look forward to working with2573NTIA's career staff and West Virginia's broadband office to cut red2574tape and unnecessary bureaucracy, to avoid further delays and minimize2575work for states, consistent with the law.2576Question 2--BEAD State Control2577    Answer. My state has put in the work for the last 2 years jumping2578through every hoop since the Biden Notice of Funding Opportunity came2579out. While I am all for tech neutrality and easing lots of burdensome2580requirements like the labor mandates--if a state wants to use fiber2581they should be able to.25822583   Do you agree that NTIA's role is to make sure that states2584        are executing their plans to connect people and not dictating2585        that they use any specific technology that might cost less but2586        may not be as reliable?2587    Answer. I recognize that every state is different and there is no2588one-size-fits-all solution. I agree that states should have flexibility2589to tailor solutions to their individual circumstances, consistent with2590the law.2591    I support an all-of-the-above solution, including fiber as well as2592alternative technologies where appropriate. If confirmed, I will work2593with states to deliver the best broadband service possible for their2594constituents, consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.2595Question 3--BEAD Deployment Cap2596    I know that many are concerned about waste and overbuilding in the2597BEAD program. West Virginia has nearly 97,000 locations that are2598unserved and BEAD eligible.2599    Overbuilding will NOT be an issue in my state though it could be in2600D.C. and other places that are receiving money and have hardly any2601locations that are unserved and underserved.2602    I am also against connecting a single remote cabin with fiber for2603$100,000--that doesn't make sense. NTIA's role should be working with2604states to prevent this kind of waste in their applications.26052606   Do you support an arbitrary deployment cost cap or should2607        deployment costs be considered on a case by case basis and2608        worked out with the states individually?2609    Answer. I do not support taking any arbitrary actions. If the issue2610of a per-location cap were to come up, I would consult with legal2611counsel, NTIA's career staff, state broadband offices, and industry2612stakeholders, as appropriate. Moreover, a per-location cap, should it2613come up, would need to account for consideration of high-cost areas,2614including high-cost Tribal areas.2615Question 4--Speeding up NTIA's Approval Process2616    In the last administration, West Virginia submitted their Initial2617Proposal Volume II to NTIA in January of 2024 and did not get it2618approved until April. I know there has to be some back-and-forth but2619waiting 3 months after lots of consultation on the front end is2620unacceptable.26212622   What ways can NTIA streamline its approval process so states2623        like West Virginia do not have to wait and wait when they2624        submit their final proposal?2625    Answer. Connecting every American to broadband expeditiously is my2626top priority. If confirmed, I look forward to working with Secretary2627Lutnick and NTIA staff to expedite the BEAD program, get funding to the2628states, and expand broadband buildout, consistent with the law. I look2629forward to working with NTIA's career staff and state broadband offices2630to cut red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy, to avoid further delays2631and minimize work for states, consistent with the law.2632Question 5--BEAD Speeding up Deployment2633    I am frustrated by the long delay of this program and I know it's2634been touched on already, but there are a number of things in the Biden2635NO-FO that are not only burdensome but will delay deployment.26362637   How can fiber deployment, for example be sped up?2638    Answer. I agree that NTIA's main focus should be on expediting2639deployment and making up for lost time. Reducing permitting burdens and2640delays might be one way to speed up fiber deployment. I would welcome2641the opportunity to work with your office on this issue.2642Question 6--BEAD Legislation2643    One policy area I care deeply about is permitting reform. Under2644Biden's American Rescue Plan broadband projects were exempted from NEPA2645approval. Yet right now BEAD projects would be subjected to the2646process. This will certainly slow down families from being connected.26472648   How much faster would NEPA exemptions speed up deployment?2649    Answer. Permitting reform is badly needed in the United States, and2650your leadership on that front has been critical in moving that effort2651forward. Regarding BEAD projects, it is unquestionable that NEPA2652exemptions would speed up deployment. As you noted in your recent2653Environment and Public Works Committee hearing ``Improving the Federal2654Environmental Review and Permitting Processes,'' permitting delays2655significantly and adversely impact a multitude of important2656infrastructure projects from water line and bridge replacements to2657broadband deployment. While it is difficult to say precisely how much2658NEPA reviews delay a specific broadband deployment project, a 20242659report by the Department of Commerce Inspector General estimated delays2660could be two years or more just to complete the NEPA review.26612662   Do you support waiving the NEPA process for BEAD?2663    Answer. As you noted, under Biden's American Rescue Plan broadband2664projects were exempted from NEPA approval. In the last Congress,2665Senators Cruz and Kelly authored the Building Chips in America Act,2666which was enacted in October of last year, to exempt semiconductor2667projects receiving funds from the CHIPS and Science Act from NEPA2668reviews. Clearly, there is a bipartisan recognition that the NEPA2669process unnecessarily delays infrastructure projects, especially in2670those cases where the only element of the project triggering NEPA2671review is simply the provision of Federal funds or the fact that a2672project crosses Federal lands. As you highlighted in your recent2673Environment and Public Works Committee hearing, ``Improving the Federal2674Environmental Review and Permitting Processes,'' expanding categorical2675exclusions, enacting real time limits on permitting approvals, and2676narrowing the scope of judicial review for legal challenges would also2677significantly help speed up federally supported infrastructure2678construction and deployment, including broadband deployment under the2679BEAD program.2680Question 7--BEAD State Allocations2681    West Virginia was awarded $1.2 billion and has spent nearly 2 years2682coming up with a plan to serve 97,000 unserved locations plus over268315,000 underserved locations. The idea that NTIA would try to claw that2684money back goes against what Secretary Lutnick has told me on multiple2685occasions. This topic was brought up in the hearing.26862687   Can you commit to not changing the allocated amounts that2688        states have been allocated?2689    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release West Virginia's2690allocated funds consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.2691                                 ______26922693   Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to2694                              Arielle Roth2695    Ongoing Spectrum Studies. During the first Trump Administration,2696there were failures to coordinate on Federal and commercial spectrum2697policy. I believe we must create a coordinated approach to domestic2698spectrum policy, where agencies such as the Federal Aviation2699Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of2700Defense (DoD), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration2701(NOAA) work together with the National Telecommunications and2702Information Administration (NTIA) and Federal Communications Commission2703(FCC)--cooperatively--on spectrum.27042705    Question 1. Yes or no. Do you agree that NTIA, DoD, and other2706Federal agencies must complete the ongoing studies of the lower 32707Gigahertz and 7 and 8 Gigahertz bands before a decision is made to2708reallocate that spectrum?2709    Answer. I agree that rigorous and careful study should precede2710decisions to reallocate these spectrum bands.27112712    Question 2. Do you think it's wise to auction Federal spectrum2713before technical studies are finished to determine the viability of2714relocating Federal systems?2715    Answer. No.27162717    Question 3. If confirmed, will you commit to collaborating on a2718spectrum policy that engages stakeholders from the Department of2719Commerce (DOC), DoD, DOT, FCC, and industry, to work towards resolution2720to restore U.S. leadership in innovation?2721    Answer. Yes.27222723    Question 4. If confirmed, will you commit to meeting with the2724members of the Interagency Spectrum Advisory Council upon confirmation?2725    Answer. Yes.27262727    Question 5. If confirmed, will you commit to receiving a classified2728briefing about the importance of spectrum for national security from2729the DoD and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence within2730a reasonable timeframe?2731    Answer. Yes.27322733    Question 6. Yes or no. Do you agree that we cannot put our national2734security and public safety at risk to free up spectrum for sale to the2735commercial sector?2736    Answer. Yes.27372738    Question 7. Yes or no, do you agree that proper coordination of2739spectrum use is vital?2740    Answer. Yes.27412742    Infrastructure, Affordability, and Broadband Equity Access and2743Deployment. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provided access2744to affordable Internet for 23 million households before Congressional2745Republicans blocked efforts to renew the program last year. While the2746ACP is now defunct, millions of Americans still struggle to afford2747Internet access, even though it is vital for modern life.27482749    Question 1. Do you agree that affordability is a major factor in2750our country's digital divide?2751    Answer. Yes.27522753    Question 2. How do you see NTIA's role ensuring broadband is2754affordable for all?2755    Answer. Congress has directed NTIA to play a role in promoting2756broadband affordability by administering broadband programs like BEAD.2757NTIA can also help to reduce unnecessary permitting burdens that can2758increase the cost of providing broadband and expand commercial spectrum2759access, which in turn increases both mobile and broadband competition,2760driving down costs for consumers.27612762    Question 3. Yes or no. Do you commit to follow the law and require2763all Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) subgrantees to offer2764at least one ``low-cost broadband service option,'' as required under2765the statute?2766    Answer. Yes, I commit to following the law.27672768    Infrastructure and BEAD Allocations. The bipartisan Infrastructure2769Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 appropriated $42 billion for the2770BEAD program, $1.2 billion of which was allocated to the State of2771Washington to connect households to broadband. The commitment that2772Congress made to reach the goal of connecting unserved and underserved2773households is well underway, with plans in all 56 states and2774territories approved by NTIA, in compliance with the law.27752776    Question 1. Yes or no. If confirmed, will you commit to releasing2777all allocated funds to the states that have already had their final2778proposals approved? If no, why not?2779    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to expeditiously release2780allocated funds to the states consistent with NTIA's statutory2781authority.27822783    Question 2. Yes or no. Ms. Roth, do you agree that states need the2784flexibility to implement the BEAD program, and ensure that it works for2785the people in each state and territory-and that what works in Rhode2786Island may not work in Texas?2787    Answer. Yes.27882789    Question 2a. Yes or no. Will you commit to providing states with2790the flexibility to use their BEAD funds to select the providers and2791technologies that work best for their unique circumstances?2792    Answer. I recognize that every state is different and there is no2793one-size-fits-all solution. I agree that states should have flexibility2794to tailor solutions to their individual circumstances, consistent with2795the law.2796    If confirmed, I will work with states to deliver the best broadband2797service possible for their constituents, consistent with NTIA's2798statutory authority.27992800    Question 3. Yes or no. If a state like West Virginia wants to use2801its allocation to fund fiber rather than satellite, will you stand in2802its way?2803    Answer. No, I recognize that every state is different and there is2804no one-size-fits-all solution. I agree that states should have2805flexibility to tailor solutions to their individual circumstances,2806consistent with the law.2807    If confirmed, I will work with states to deliver the best broadband2808service possible for their constituents, consistent with NTIA's2809statutory authority.28102811    Question 4. Do you believe NTIA has the authority to establish a2812national per location cap as part of the BEAD program? If so, please2813cite the specific provisions and explain your reasoning?2814    Answer. If confirmed and the issue of a per-location cap were to2815come up, I would consult with legal counsel, NTIA's career staff, state2816broadband offices, and industry stakeholders, as appropriate. Moreover,2817a per-location cap, should it come up, would need to account for2818consideration of high-cost areas, including high-cost Tribal areas.28192820    Preserving BEAD Allocations. During your hearing, I was2821disappointed that you did not provide a clear commitment to preserve2822the BEAD allocations that NTIA made to states in 2023. The American2823people deserve clarity on this important question. As such, please2824provide a Yes or No response to the following questions:28252826    Question 1. Will you commit to preserving the $1,227,742,066.302827that NTIA allocated in 2023 to my home state of Washington?2828    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2829states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.28302831    Question 2. Will you commit to preserving the $1,401,221,901.772832that NTIA allocated to Alabama?2833    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2834states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.28352836    Question 3. Will you commit to preserving the $1,017,139,672.422837that NTIA allocated to Alaska?2838    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2839states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.28402841    Question 4. Will you commit to preserving the $37,564,827.53 that2842NTIA allocated to American Samoa?2843    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2844states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.28452846    Question 5. Will you commit to preserving the $993,112,231.37 that2847NTIA allocated to Arizona?2848    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2849states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.28502851    Question 6. Will you commit to preserving the $1,024,303,993.862852that NTIA allocated to Arkansas?2853    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2854states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.28552856    Question 7. Will you commit to preserving the $1,864,136,508.932857that NTIA allocated to California?2858    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2859states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.28602861    Question 8. Will you commit to preserving the $826,522,650.41 that2862NTIA allocated to Colorado?2863    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2864states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.28652866    Question 9. Will you commit to preserving the $80,796,709.02 that2867NTIA allocated to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands?2868    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2869states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.28702871    Question 10. Will you commit to preserving the $144,180,792.71 that2872NTIA allocated to Connecticut?2873    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2874states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.28752876    Question 11. Will you commit to preserving the $107,748,384.66 that2877NTIA allocated to Delaware?2878    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2879states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.28802881    Question 12. Will you commit to preserving the $100,694,786.93 that2882NTIA allocated to the District of Columbia?2883    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2884states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.28852886    Question 13. Will you commit to preserving the $1,169,947,392.702887that NTIA allocated to Florida?2888    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2889states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.28902891    Question 14. Will you commit to preserving the $1,307,214,371.302892that NTIA allocated to Georgia?2893    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2894states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.28952896    Question 15. Will you commit to preserving the $156,831,733.59 that2897NTIA allocated to Guam?2898    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2899states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29002901    Question 16. Will you commit to preserving the $149,484,493.57 that2902NTIA allocated to Hawaii?2903    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2904states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29052906    Question 17. Will you commit to preserving the $583,256,249.88 that2907NTIA allocated to Idaho?2908    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2909states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29102911    Question 18. Will you commit to preserving the $1,040,420,751.502912that NTIA allocated to Illinois?2913    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2914states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29152916    Question 19. Will you commit to preserving the $868,109,929.79 that2917NTIA allocated to Indiana?2918    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2919states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29202921    Question 20. Will you commit to preserving the $415,331,313.00 that2922NTIA allocated to Iowa?2923    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2924states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29252926    Question 21. Will you commit to preserving the $451,725,998.15 that2927NTIA allocated to Kansas?2928    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2929states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29302931    Question 22. Will you commit to preserving the $1,086,172,536.862932that NTIA allocated to Kentucky?2933    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2934states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29352936    Question 23. Will you commit to preserving the $1,355,554,552.942937that NTIA allocated to Louisiana?2938    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2939states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29402941    Question 24. Will you commit to preserving the $271,977,723.07 that2942NTIA allocated to Maine?2943    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2944states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29452946    Question 25. Will you commit to preserving the $267,738,400.71 that2947NTIA allocated to Maryland?2948    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2949states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29502951    Question 26. Will you commit to preserving the $147,422,464.39 that2952NTIA allocated to Massachusetts?2953    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2954states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29552956    Question 27. Will you commit to preserving the $1,559,362,479.292957that NTIA allocated to Michigan?2958    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2959states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29602961    Question 28. Will you commit to preserving the $651,839,368.20 that2962NTIA allocated to Minnesota?2963    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2964states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29652966    Question 29. Will you commit to preserving the $1,203,561,563.052967that NTIA allocated to Mississippi?2968    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2969states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29702971    Question 30. Will you commit to preserving the $1,736,302,708.392972that NTIA allocated to Missouri?2973    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2974states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29752976    Question 31. Will you commit to preserving the $628,973,798.59 that2977NTIA allocated to Montana?2978    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2979states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29802981    Question 32. Will you commit to preserving the $405,281,070.41 that2982NTIA allocated to Nebraska?2983    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2984states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29852986    Question 33. Will you commit to preserving the $416,666,229.74 that2987NTIA allocated to Nevada?2988    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2989states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29902991    Question 34. Will you commit to preserving the $196,560,278.97 that2992NTIA allocated to New Hampshire?2993    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2994states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.29952996    Question 35. Will you commit to preserving the $263,689,548.65 that2997NTIA allocated to New Jersey?2998    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the2999states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30003001    Question 36. Will you commit to preserving the $675,372,311.86 that3002NTIA allocated to New Mexico?3003    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3004states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30053006    Question 37. Will you commit to preserving the $664,618,251.49 that3007NTIA allocated to New York?3008    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3009states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30103011    Question 38. Will you commit to preserving the $1,532,999,481.153012that NTIA allocated to North Carolina?3013    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3014states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30153016    Question 39. Will you commit to preserving the $130,162,815.12 that3017NTIA allocated to North Dakota?3018    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3019states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30203021    Question 40. Will you commit to preserving the $793,688,107.63 that3022NTIA allocated to Ohio?3023    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3024states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30253026    Question 41. Will you commit to preserving the $797,435,691.25 that3027NTIA allocated to Oklahoma?3028    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3029states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30303031    Question 42. Will you commit to preserving the $688,914,932.17 that3032NTIA allocated to Oregon?3033    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3034states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30353036    Question 43. Will you commit to preserving the $1,161,778,272.413037that NTIA allocated to Pennsylvania?3038    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3039states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30403041    Question 44. Will you commit to preserving the $334,614,151.70 that3042NTIA allocated to Puerto Rico?3043    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3044states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30453046    Question 45. Will you commit to preserving the $108,718,820.75 that3047NTIA allocated to Rhode Island?3048    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3049states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30503051    Question 46. Will you commit to preserving the $551,535,983.05 that3052NTIA allocated to South Carolina?3053    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3054states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30553056    Question 47. Will you commit to preserving the $207,227,523.92 that3057NTIA allocated to South Dakota?3058    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3059states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30603061    Question 48. Will you commit to preserving the $813,319,680.22 that3062NTIA allocated to Tennessee?3063    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3064states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30653066    Question 49. Will you commit to preserving the $3,312,616,455.453067that NTIA allocated to Texas?3068    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3069states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30703071    Question 50. Will you commit to preserving the $27,103,240.86 that3072NTIA allocated to the U.S. Virgin Islands?3073    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3074states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30753076    Question 51. Will you commit to preserving the $317,399,741.54 that3077NTIA allocated to Utah?3078    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3079states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30803081    Question 52. Will you commit to preserving the $228,913,019.08 that3082NTIA allocated to Vermont?3083    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3084states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30853086    Question 53. Will you commit to preserving the $1,481,489,572.873087that NTIA allocated to Virginia?3088    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3089states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30903091    Question 54. Will you commit to preserving the $1,210,800,969.853092that NTIA allocated to West Virginia?3093    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3094states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.30953096    Question 55. Will you commit to preserving the $1,055,823,573.713097that NTIA allocated to Wisconsin?3098    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3099states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.31003101    Question 56. Will you commit to preserving the $347,877,921.27 that3102NTIA allocated to Wyoming?3103    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release allocated funds to the3104states consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.31053106    BEAD technology requirements. While the BEAD statute allows states3107flexibility to serve extremely high-cost locations with alternative3108technology, the statute requires that the states ``prioritize funding''3109for ``priority broadband projects.'' The statute defines ``priority3110broadband projects'' as those that, among other things, ``ensure that3111the network built by the project can easily scale speeds over time to3112meet the evolving connectivity needs of households and businesses; and3113support the deployment of 5G, successor wireless technologies, and3114other advanced services.'' At your confirmation hearing, Chair Cruz3115asserted that the BEAD program was intended to be tech neutral. In3116making this argument, however, Chair Cruz cited language from the3117Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (the definition of a ``Covered3118broadband project'' as defined in Section 1705(a)(4) of Title 47 of the3119U.S. Code), which is not part of the BEAD program.31203121    Question 1. Do you believe that low earth orbit (LEO) offerings3122that are available to consumers today ``can easily scale speeds over3123time to meet the evolving connectivity needs of households and3124businesses; and support the deployment of 5G, successor wireless3125technologies, and other advanced services?''3126    Answer. If confirmed, I will consult with NTIA's engineers and3127attorneys to determine which specific products, services, and3128technologies meet the criteria in the law for ``priority broadband3129project'' per the IIJA.31303131    Question 2. Do you believe that a state which purchases service3132from a LEO satellite broadband provider is using BEAD funds to pay for3133``a network built by the project?''3134    Answer. If confirmed, I will consult with NTIA's engineers and3135attorneys to determine which specific products, services, and3136technologies meet the criteria in the law for ``priority broadband3137project'' per the IIJA.31383139    Question 3. Do you agree that the definition of a ``Covered3140broadband project'' as defined in Section 1705(a)(4) of Title 47 of the3141U.S. Code applies to the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, and is3142not relevant to the question of tech neutrality in the BEAD program?3143    Answer. While this particular definition applies to the Tribal3144Broadband Connectivity Program, the BEAD program contains similar3145technology-neutral criteria to define ``priority broadband project,''3146``unserved location,'' and ``underserved location,'' and in defining3147minimum service requirements to receive a subgrant.31483149    BEAD BABA requirements. The IIJA included the Build America Buy3150America Act (BABA) says that when the government provides money for3151building things like roads and bridges, the materials used to build3152them should be made in the United States. This means things like iron,3153steel, products made in factories, and materials for construction need3154to come from the U.S. NTIA issued a partial waiver for BABA for the3155BEAD program that required that the vast majority of components used in3156the construction of BEAD funded networks be made in the United States.31573158    Question 1. Do you believe it is important that BEAD funds should3159support U.S. manufacturing and U.S. jobs?3160    Answer. Yes.31613162    Question 2. Do you intend to change or modify the BEAD BABA waiver?3163    Answer. If confirmed, I will do everything I can to support3164American workers, manufacturers, businesses, consumers, and taxpayers3165to deploy broadband expeditiously. I commit to looking into this issue3166if confirmed and I look forward to supporting the twin goals of speedy3167broadband deployment and an American manufacturing renaissance.31683169    Question 3. Are you concerned that changes to the BEAD program,3170such as by reducing the amount of fiber deployed, could negatively3171impact investments made by U.S. companies in domestic manufacturing to3172support the program?3173    Answer. If confirmed, I will do everything I can to support3174American workers, manufacturers, businesses, consumers, and taxpayers3175to deploy broadband expeditiously. I commit to looking into this issue3176if confirmed and I look forward to supporting the twin goals of speedy3177broadband deployment and an American manufacturing renaissance.31783179    Question 4. Are you concerned that changes to the BEAD program,3180such as by reducing the amount of fiber deployed, could result in job3181losses or workforce reductions for U.S. companies that made investments3182in domestic manufacturing to support the program?3183    Answer. If confirmed, I will do everything I can to support3184American workers, manufacturers, businesses, consumers, and taxpayers3185to deploy broadband expeditiously. I commit to looking into this issue3186if confirmed and I look forward to supporting the twin goals of speedy3187broadband deployment and an American manufacturing renaissance.31883189    Secretary Lutnick and BEAD Commitments. During his confirmation3190hearing before this Committee, now-Secretary Lutnick repeatedly failed3191to commit not to claw back funding for infrastructure programs under3192NTIA's jurisdiction, particularly the BEAD program. Now confirmed in3193that role, Secretary Lutnick has made alarming statements indicating he3194intends to overhaul the program and potentially delay states' work to3195connect homes to high-speed internet.31963197    Question 1. Will you commit not to claw back funding for NTIA3198infrastructure programs, such as BEAD?3199    Answer. Connecting every American to broadband is my top priority,3200and I support using every dollar allocated in the BEAD program to doing3201just that. If confirmed, I look forward to working with Secretary3202Lutnick and NTIA staff to expedite the BEAD program and get funding to3203the states, consistent with the law.32043205    Question 2. If Secretary Lutnick's ongoing ``review'' of the BEAD3206program results in allocated funding being clawed back, will you oppose3207such efforts, if confirmed?3208    Answer. Connecting every American to broadband is my top priority,3209and I support using every dollar allocated in the BEAD program to doing3210just that. If confirmed, I look forward to working with Secretary3211Lutnick and NTIA staff to expedite the BEAD program and get allocated3212funding to the states, consistent with the law.32133214    Question 3. Have you discussed the ``review'' of the BEAD program3215with Secretary Lutnick? If so, please detail the nature of these3216conversations and when they took place.3217    Answer. No.32183219    Secretary Lutnick and Congressional Testimony. During his3220confirmation hearing, now-Secretary Lutnick testified that he would not3221support the dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency3222(MBDA). Despite this clear testimony, the DOC, under Secretary3223Lutnick's leadership, appears to be actively dismantling the MBDA.32243225    Question 1. Will you adhere to the commitments and statements you3226make to this Committee regarding the fulfillment of your duties and3227responsibilities in this post, if confirmed?3228    Answer. Yes.32293230    Question 2. During your hearing, you testified that you would3231``follow the law.'' Do you agree that providing untruthful testimony to3232Congress violates the law?3233    Answer. Yes.32343235    Secretary Lutnick and Tesla. During an appearance on ``Jesse3236Watters Primetime'' on March 19, 2025, Secretary Lutnick urged people3237to ``buy Tesla'' stock and said, ``anybody that doesn't buy a Tesla3238robot is going to be silly.'' As you know, Federal officers are3239generally prohibited from using their public office for the endorsement3240of any product, service, or enterprise. Federal officers are also3241generally prohibited from using their position to imply the government3242sanctions or endorses another individual's personal activities.32433244    Question 1. Do you think Secretary's Lutnick's comments urging3245people to purchase Tesla stock or a Tesla product were appropriate?3246    Answer. I am not familiar with Secretary Lutnick's comments, and I3247look forward to performing the responsibilities of NTIA administrator3248if I am fortunate enough to be confirmed.32493250    Question 2. If confirmed, will you commit to not use your public3251office to promote or otherwise endorse Elon Musk's products or3252services, such as Starlink, or the products or services of any other3253Trump Administration official?3254    Answer. Yes.32553256    Tribal Connectivity. NTIA oversees the Tribal Broadband3257Connectivity Program, which Congress appropriated $3 billion to support3258Tribal governments for deployment projects, telehealth, and online3259education opportunities. Roughly $1 billion in funding for this program3260is currently frozen.32613262    Question 1. Yes or no, will you commit to completing the Tribal3263Broadband Connectivity Program as it currently exists?3264    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to implementing NTIA's statutory3265requirements, including with respect to the Tribal Broadband3266Connectivity Program.32673268    Question 2. Yes or no, will you continue to proceed with Round 2 of3269the Program, which is already in progress, and allow it to continue?3270    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to implementing NTIA's statutory3271requirements, including with respect to the Tribal Broadband3272Connectivity Program.32733274    Broadband Infrastructure and Tribal Coordination. Through the3275broadband deployment projects it oversees, NTIA must prioritize strong3276coordination with Tribal communities in order to ensure that locations3277located on Tribal lands are connected.32783279    Question 1. Yes or no, do you agree that the Federal government3280must recognize Tribal sovereignty?3281    Answer. I agree with your statement on the importance of3282coordination with Tribal communities. If confirmed, I would not be in a3283position to speak for the entire Federal government on the broad topic3284of Tribal sovereignty.32853286    Question 2. Yes or no, do you agree that it is the role of the3287Federal government, and in particular NTIA, to coordinate with Tribal3288governments on matters of broadband deployment that impacts Tribal3289lands and families?3290    Answer. Yes, to the extent the coordination involves NTIA3291responsibilities.32923293    Question 3. Yes or no, will you commit to upholding requirements3294for states and Internet service providers participating in BEAD to3295consult with Tribal governments on broadband deployment to locations on3296Tribal lands?3297    Answer. I commit to upholding statutory requirements for NTIA with3298respect to Tribal governments and Tribal lands.32993300    Question 4. Yes or no, will you continue to abide by the NTIA-FCC-3301Department of the Interior Tribal Spectrum memorandum of understanding3302(MOU)?3303    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to reviewing this matter, and3304upholding NTIA's statutory requirements.33053306    Middle Mile Infrastructure Program. To date, NTIA has awarded3307nearly $980 million across 40 states and territories through the3308Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program. This Program3309funds projects to deploy future-proof fiber over nearly 12,500 miles,3310connecting over 7,000 anchor institutions.33113312    Question 1. Will you commit to completing the Enabling Middle Mile3313Broadband Infrastructure Program as it currently exists?3314    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to implementing NTIA's statutory3315requirements, including with respect to the Enabling Middle Mile3316Broadband Infrastructure Program.33173318    Question 2. Will you commit to working expeditiously to ensure that3319funded projects are able to proceed to deploy fiber across the country?3320    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to implementing NTIA's statutory3321requirements, including with respect to the Enabling Middle Mile3322Broadband Infrastructure Program.33233324    Innovation Fund. Authorized under the FY 2021 National Defense3325Authorization Act and funded through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022,3326the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund is a 10-year, $1.53327billion grant program will help drive wireless innovation, foster3328competition, and strengthen supply chain resilience. Around $8143329million remains unobligated. President Trump has recently called to3330roll back the CHIPS and Science Act, which funded this program.33313332    Question 1. Do you support the current funding opportunities3333announced and underway?3334    Answer. I will uphold the law as enacted.33353336    Question 2. Will you commit to implementing these programs and to3337complete open funding rounds?3338    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to implementing NTIA's statutory3339requirements, including with respect to the Public Wireless Supply3340Chain Innovation Fund.33413342    National Spectrum Strategy. In November 2023, the Biden3343Administration released the National Spectrum Strategy (NSS) that3344identifies over 2,700 megahertz of spectrum across five bands for study3345to determine the possibility of new, commercial uses. The NSS includes3346over 1,600 megahertz of midband spectrum, a range in high demand for3347next-generation wireless services.3348    In the 118th Congress I led the effort to codify the NSS and a MOU3349between the FCC and NTIA on spectrum coordination--the Spectrum and3350National Security Act. The final version of this legislation reflected3351a negotiated agreement between the DOC, DoD, and the Joint Chiefs of3352Staff that preserved our national security, protected Federal3353incumbents, and advanced studies which would create a sustainable3354spectrum pipeline.33553356    Question 1. Do you believe that the United States needs a national3357spectrum strategy?3358    Answer. Yes.33593360    Question 2. Will you stand by the negotiated agreement between the3361DOC, DoD, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff?3362    Answer. I was not part of the negotiated agreement between the DOC,3363DoD, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. However, if confirmed, I commit to3364reviewing it and obtain any classified briefings necessary for purposes3365of advising the Trump administration on this negotiated agreement among3366Biden administration officials.33673368    Question 3. What changes do you anticipate making to either the NSS3369or MOU between the FCC and NTIA?3370    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to review both the NSS and MOU and3371get any needed classified briefing to determine if there should be any3372modification to agreements and strategy documents negotiated by the3373Biden administration.33743375    Question 4. Will you commit to adhering to the Memorandum on3376Modernizing United States Spectrum Policy and establishing a national3377spectrum strategy?3378    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to implementing NTIA's statutory3379requirements. As I testified, spectrum will be a top priority of mine.33803381    Spectrum Pipeline Act. Ms. Roth, Chair Cruz introduced the Spectrum3382Pipeline Act last year, which would have required NTIA to identify 25003383megahertz of Federal spectrum for reallocation and auction. I3384understand you worked on this bill.3385    That bill did not require that national security or public safety3386be protected, nor did it require that any studies occur before the3387spectrum be auctioned.33883389    Question 1. Can you elaborate on why you believe requiring this3390spectrum reallocation without the results of any studies does not risk3391U.S. national security interests?3392    Answer. I support protecting national security and public safety.3393If enacted, the Spectrum Pipeline Act would require NTIA to identify a3394certain quantity of spectrum for reallocation. In order to make this3395identification, consistent with current practice, NTIA would first3396conduct studies and consult with other Federal agencies to protect3397their critical missions.33983399    International Spectrum Leadership. NTIA is tasked with representing3400the United States' spectrum interests internationally. We have seen3401China's growth in spectrum use not only threaten the U.S. economically,3402but China also raises national security concerns. U.S. representation3403at the International Telecommunications Union and World Radio3404Conference are important fora to advance American interests in spectrum3405management and combat national security threats from China.34063407    Question 1. Will you commit to representing U.S. spectrum interests3408on the international stage to address concerns about China's spectrum3409use?3410    Answer. Yes.34113412    Question 2. Do you support a modernized approach on Federal3413spectrum policy that protects our communications networks against3414foreign adversaries?3415    Answer. Yes.34163417    FirstNet. Congress established FirstNet as an independent authority3418within NTIA, which was tasked with managing and overseeing the3419implementation and execution of agreements to build, deploy, and3420operate a new nationwide broadband network dedicated for public safety3421use.3422    FirstNet's statutory authority to operate expires in 2027 and will3423be a question for Congress and this Committee to consider.34243425    Question 1. How do you view the role of NTIA in managing and3426overseeing the FirstNet Authority?3427    Answer. FirstNet is overseen by a board and has a unique position3428within the Department of Commerce. If confirmed, I will work to ensure3429that FirstNet delivers on the promise of enhancing public safety3430communications and is subject to appropriate oversight.34313432    Question 2. If confirmed, how will you address recommendations from3433the Inspector General contained in three audit reports and one3434management alert released in 2024?3435    Answer. I take Inspector General recommendations seriously, and I3436look forward to reviewing those pertaining to FirstNet if confirmed.34373438    Question 3. If confirmed, would you commit to brief Committee3439members about the FirstNet contract and provisions, so that the3440Committee can better understand the relationship between AT&T and3441FirstNet in advance of the expiration of FirstNet authorization in34422027?3443    Answer. Yes.34443445    Spectrum Interference. At the March 27, 2025, Commerce Committee3446hearing with the National Transportation Safety Board, we heard that3447the Secret Service and U.S. Navy operated a spectrum jamming system3448that interfered with the terrain avoidance systems on aircraft landing3449at DCA. Several aircraft that were jammed received false warnings to3450take emergency action while landing--putting more people at risk.34513452    Question 1. How would you ensure that Federal agencies properly3453coordinate to prevent this kind of extremely dangerous activity from3454happening in the future? What specific steps would take to address this3455issue?3456    Answer. Coordination among Federal agencies on the use of spectrum3457is critical for public safety. If confirmed, I will get briefings on3458this event that Chairman Cruz raised, and that the Acting FAA3459administrator confirmed, and will work with other Federal agencies to3460coordinate Federal spectrum use, consistent with NTIA's statutory role.34613462    Question 2. You have advocated for making vast amounts of Federal3463spectrum available for private sector use. How can we be sure that the3464Federal government can coordinate these kinds of complex activities3465with the private sector when it seems like this Administration is3466already struggling to coordinate within the government?3467    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the FCC and3468other Federal agencies to coordinate Federal and non-federal use of3469spectrum, consistent with NTIA's statutory role. I will work to not3470only maintain but, where possible, improve NTIA's coordinating3471relationship with all Federal agencies to protect critical Federal3472missions.34733474    Question 3. If confirmed, will you commit to brief this Committee3475on the jamming incidents at DCA and any other jamming activity near3476U.S. airports or that would put the public at risk?3477    Answer. Yes, if confirmed I will get briefings on this event and3478will brief the Committee on what I learn.34793480    Question 4. Do you believe that the FCC should have taken into3481account concerns about aviation safety from the FAA regarding 5G3482interference to airplane altimeters as part of the C-Band auction?3483Going forward how would you prevent a similar situations from occurring3484that could put aviation safety, national security, or public safety at3485risk?3486    Answer. I agree that the FCC should take into account all harmful3487interference concerns presented, including those about aviation safety,3488before making a decision. If confirmed, I will uphold NTIA's statutory3489role in representing the view of the Executive Branch on spectrum3490matters before the FCC, including by maintaining clear and frequent3491channels of communication with the FCC.34923493    Question 5. What role do you believe NTIA has in coordinating with3494the FCC on spectrum related items before the Commission that involves3495commercial spectrum, but where there is a Federal interest or equity?3496What do you think the FCC's responsibility is to take NTIA's concerns3497into account in these proceedings?3498    Answer. NTIA is responsible for communicating the position of3499Executive Branch agencies on spectrum matters before the FCC. The FCC3500is responsible for managing and licensing non-federal spectrum,3501consistent with its statutory requirements.35023503    Conflicts of Interest_Starlink. Elon Musk is the founder and CEO of3504Starlink and the richest man in the world. He is also playing a leading3505role in the Trump White House and the so-called Department of3506Government Efficiency (DOGE). I have serious concerns about the3507alarming conflicts of interest that appear to be mounting between Mr.3508Musk and the Trump Administration.35093510    Question 1. Ms. Roth, you are a lawyer. Do you agree there would be3511at least the appearance of a conflict of interest if the DOC changed3512the BEAD program and additional funds were directed to Musk's Starlink3513as a result?3514    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to act impartially in carrying out3515the BEAD program, consistent with the IIJA as enacted.35163517    Question 2. If confirmed, what specific actions above and beyond3518the minimum requirements will you take to give Americans confidence3519there are no conflicts of interest in the BEAD program and Musk's3520Starlink?3521    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to acting impartially in carrying3522out the BEAD program, consistent with the IIJA as enacted.35233524    Question 3. Do you think it's appropriate to consign hardworking3525families in rural and Tribal communities to worse service that is more3526expensive, while Mr. Musk benefits financially?3527    Answer. No, this would be a bad outcome. If confirmed, I will work3528to deliver the best broadband service possible to all Americans,3529consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.35303531    Question 4. Have you ever met, been on a call, or otherwise3532interacted with Elon Musk? If so, please detail each such instance,3533including the date and topic of the engagement.3534    Answer. No.35353536    Question 5. Have you ever discussed Elon Musk's perspective on the3537BEAD program with anyone associated with SpaceX or the Trump3538Administration? If so, please detail each such instance, including the3539date, individuals involved, and perspectives conveyed.3540    Answer. As the telecommunications policy director for Chairman Cruz3541on the Senate Commerce Committee, I have taken meetings with numerous3542stakeholders, including SpaceX, on the implementation of the BEAD3543program. In the course of those meetings, Mr. Musk's perspective on the3544BEAD program was never discussed.35453546    Tariffs and Effect on BEAD. President Trump's tariffs are driving3547up the cost of living for consumers and causing uncertainty for3548American businesses. As you know, communications service providers3549depend on a global supply chain for their network components. A recent3550Price Waterhouse Coopers study found that proposed tariffs could raise3551costs in the telecommunications and technology sectors by $126 billion.35523553    Question 1. Yes or no. Do you agree that this administration's3554proposed tariffs will increase the cost to deploy these networks as3555well increase the cost consumers will pay for high-speed internet?3556    Answer. I am committed to carrying out the BEAD program in an3557expeditious, efficient, and effective manner. As I am the NTIA nominee3558and not being considered for a Senate-confirmed position on trade3559policy, I am not in a position to speculate on this issue.35603561    Question 2. If confirmed, you would be the President's principal3562advisor on telecommunications policy. How would you advise the3563President about this important issue?3564    Answer. I would want to confer with experts at NTIA before advising3565the President on this issue.35663567    Digital Equity Grants. Congress intended to not only establish a3568once-in-a-generation investment in broadband infrastructure, but also3569to ensure individuals and communities have the skills necessary to take3570advantage of the digital opportunities created by high-speed Internet3571connectivity. One example is how the State of Washington is developing3572a cybersecurity literacy program to ensure Washingtonians have the3573necessary skills to protect themselves from cyber criminals.35743575    Question 1. Will you commit to fully and swiftly implementing the3576Digital Equity Act and its focus on all of the core targets identified3577in the statute, including rural Americans, seniors, and veterans?3578    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to implementing NTIA's statutory3579requirements, including with respect to the Digital Equity Act.35803581    Question 2. Can you commit not to leave any of the statutory3582``covered populations'' outlined in the Digital Equity Act behind and3583implement the Act fully, as intended by Congress?3584    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to implementing NTIA's statutory3585requirements, including with respect to the Digital Equity Act.35863587    Question 1. If the president ordered you to do something illegal,3588would you refuse?3589    Answer. I would not violate the law, and I do not believe the3590president would ever ask me to do so.35913592    Question 2. Do you believe the Executive Branch must comply with3593lawful court orders?3594    Answer. Yes.35953596    Department of Government Efficiency. In March 2016, you wrote an3597article titled, ``How the FCC Betrayed America's Faith in the Rule of3598Law'' in which you asserted: ``We Americans generally have faith that3599our government operates according to legal authority and predictable3600rules. If a government-authorized camera records our car exceeding a3601speed limit, we pay the penalty because we have faith that proper3602procedures were followed. Our faith is tested when a government agency3603is found to have operated outside of the rule of law.'' A Federal court3604has ruled that DOGE likely acted in violation of the U.S. Constitution3605``in multiple ways.''36063607    Question 1. Given the views expressed in your March 2016 article3608and the Federal court ruling that DOGE is likely violating the U.S.3609Constitution, do you agree that Americans should not have faith in the3610actions taken by DOGE? Why or why not?3611    Answer. I have been nominated to NTIA and have been focused on3612NTIA's mission and responsibilities, not the work of DOGE.36133614    Question 2. If confirmed, will you permit DOGE to access to the3615NTIA's records, systems, and data, including those related to the BEAD3616program?3617    Answer. If confirmed, I will comply with all records, systems, and3618data requirements, including those related to the BEAD program.36193620    Question 3. If DOGE recommended a reduction-in-force at NTIA, would3621you refuse to carry one out, if confirmed?3622    Answer. NTIA has many talented career staff, some of whom I've had3623the privilege to work with. As I have not yet been confirmed, it would3624be inappropriate for me to opine on the staffing needs of the agency.36253626    Independent Agencies. In the same March 2016 article, you also were3627critical of President Obama, claiming he had ``undermined any pretense3628of independence at the FCC'' when he posted a speech on YouTube3629discussing the regulation of broadband service providers. You also3630asserted ``[i]t is incumbent on our government to do better in3631following basic administrative law and affirming the autonomy of3632independent agencies.''36333634    Question 1. Given these past statements, aren't you concerned by3635the Trump Administration's unprecedented actions to undermine3636independent agencies like the FCC? If not, please explain why your3637position has changed since March 2016.3638    Answer. I have been nominated to NTIA, which is part of the3639Executive Branch and not an independent agency. As such, I have been3640focused on NTIA's mission and responsibilities, not those of the FCC.36413642    First Amendment. You worked at the FCC as a legal advisor to3643Commissioner Mike O'Rielly. As you know, his nomination was withdrawn3644by President Trump in August 2020, five days after he gave a speech to3645the Media Institute, in which he said: ``The First Amendment protects3646us from limits on speech imposed by the government--not private3647actors--and we should all reject demands, in the name of the First3648Amendment, for private actors to curate or publish speech in a certain3649way. Like it or not, the First Amendment's protections apply to3650corporate entities, especially when they engage in editorial decision3651making. I shudder to think of a day in which the Fairness Doctrine3652could be reincarnated for the Internet, especially at the ironic behest3653of so-called free speech `defenders.' It is time to stop allowing3654purveyors of First Amendment gibberish to claim they support more3655speech, when their actions make clear that they would actually curtail3656it through government action. These individuals demean and denigrate3657the values of our Constitution and must be held accountable for their3658doublespeak and dishonesty. This institution and its members have long3659been unwavering in defending the First Amendment, and it is the duty of3660each of us to continue to uphold this precious protection.''36613662    Question 1. Do you agree with Commissioner O'Rielly's statement3663about what the First Amendment means?3664    Answer. I support upholding the First Amendment. I agree that3665corporate entities have First Amendment rights, the extent and breadth3666of which depends on the context.36673668    Border Gateway Protocol. Ms. Roth, the Office of the National Cyber3669Director released the Roadmap to Enhancing Internet Routing Security in3670September of 2024. Among the recommendations in the report were3671enhancements to Internet routing security and in particular,3672enhancements to the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP).36733674    Question 1. Ms. Roth, if confirmed would you commit to working with3675the interagency to enhance Internet routing security, and addressing3676vulnerabilities to BGP?3677    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to studying the roadmap you3678reference and consulting with NTIA's career staff on addressing such3679vulnerabilities.36803681    Question 2. Ms. Roth, do you think it's important for Federal3682agencies to use Route Origin Authorizations (ROA)? Do you think3683commercial websites should use ROAs? Please explain the importance of3684ROAs in preventing BGP hijacking.3685    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to studying this issue closely3686and consulting with NTIA's career staff on this topic.36873688    Management Experience. Ms. Roth, NTIA is a large agency with3689complex programs. A key part of the position to which you are nominated3690is being a leader and convener who builds consensus among diverse3691viewpoints. I'd like to hear a bit more about your relevant management3692experience.36933694    Question 1. Please detail an example of a complex project you3695managed successfully and explain how that experience positions you to3696succeed leading NTIA, if confirmed.3697    Answer. Managing a household of seven and raising five young3698children while working full-time in a high-pressure position has been a3699complex project. It has also taught me about managing different3700personalities and needs, which I believe will serve me well in leading3701NTIA if confirmed. In the government context, I am also accustomed to3702working on complex projects and building consensus among diverse3703viewpoints. For example, I manage staff on a daily basis as the head of3704telecommunications policy for the Majority. And at the Federal3705Communications Commission, I worked in the front office of the Wireline3706Competition Bureau and was responsible for ensuring career staff,3707including attorneys, economists, and engineers, as well as staff in the3708commissioners' offices could all share their perspective and agree on3709how to resolve difficult issues.37103711    Question 2. Please provide an example where you built consensus3712among diverse viewpoints to achieve a beneficial outcome.3713    Answer. To pass the Blunt-Wyden Low Power Protection Act (PL 117-3714344), I worked to build consensus among diverse viewpoints of3715stakeholders in the telecom industry that have not traditionally been3716aligned. These efforts paid off, as the bill was signed into law in3717January 2023.37183719    Question 3. What's the largest team you have managed? How many3720people reported to you?3721    Answer. As Chairman Cruz's Policy Director for Telecommunications3722on Senate Commerce, I manage a team of five staff. As a legal advisor3723in the Wireline Competition Bureau of the Federal Communications3724Commission, I was responsible for building consensus and ensuring3725timely delivery of work across 155 full-time employees.37263727    Question 4. Have you ever hired someone? If so, how many people?3728    Answer. Yes. In my career on the Hill, I have been involved in the3729hiring decisions for numerous persons.37303731    Question 5. Have you ever fired someone? If so, how many people?3732    Answer. Fortunately, I have never needed to fire anyone.37333734    Cyber Security. Ms. Roth, the United States has been under3735increasing cyber-attacks by hostile foreign powers, notably China and3736Russia. Last year, Chinese hackers as part of the Salt Typhoon attack,3737hacked into U.S. telecom networks and monitored phone calls and text3738messages, targeting prominent figures including J.D. Vance.37393740    Question 1. If confirmed you will be the President's lead advisor3741on telecommunications policy. What is NTIA's role in mitigating attacks3742like Salt Typhoon, and what should NTIA do to help prevent future3743attacks?3744    Answer. Salt Typhoon was a massive penetration of our country's3745communications networks, and it is important to plug any3746vulnerabilities to prevent future attacks. Although NTIA does not have3747regulatory authority, it can play a key role in policy development,3748advocacy, and information sharing with respect to cybersecurity. NTIA3749can also help mitigate future attacks through its work on supply chain3750security and working with other agencies that develop cybersecurity3751standards and best practices.37523753    Question 2. What steps can U.S. telecommunication providers take to3754harden their networks to make them more resistant to cyber-attacks in3755the future?3756    Answer. Salt Typhoon was a massive penetration of our country's3757communications networks, and it is important to plug any3758vulnerabilities to prevent future attacks. If confirmed, I look forward3759to working with NTIA's staff and other Federal agencies to develop and3760promote standards and best practices for cybersecurity.37613762    Question 3. How can NTIA enable the use of non-deployment funds3763from the BEAD program, funds from the Digital Equity program capacity3764and competitive programs, and the Tribal Broadband Connectivity program3765to enhance cyber security skills to make our companies and communities3766more resistant and resilient to these types of attacks?3767    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to consulting with NTIA's3768career staff to determine what authorities NTIA has under the law to3769promote cybersecurity through these programs.3770                                 ______37713772    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Brian Schatz to3773                              Arielle Roth3774    The Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program (``Middle3775Mile'') is enabling Hawaii to expand broadband infrastructure between3776islands and across the state. The uninterrupted continuation of3777projects funded by Middle Mile is critical to enhancing support for3778critical infrastructure sectors--including defense, transportation,3779energy, and telecommunications, among others--on time and efficiently.37803781    Question 1. Will you commit to continued support for the Middle3782Mile program, including ensuring the timely distribution of funds and3783communications to project sponsors?3784    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to implementing NTIA's statutory3785requirements, including with respect to the Enabling Middle Mile3786Broadband Infrastructure Program.3787    The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program3788represents a historic investment in broadband access, including for3789Hawaii, which will see a total of $149.5 million under this program.3790Earlier this month, Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick3791announced that the agency will review the BEAD program with the3792intention of potentially reforming certain requirements.37933794    Question 2. What changes do you believe need to be made to the BEAD3795program under your leadership?37963797    Question 3. What metrics will you apply to assess the effectiveness3798of the BEAD program?37993800    Question 4. Will you commit to ensuring that any potential3801modifications to the BEAD program will not impact state planning work,3802including forcing states to re-do work that has already been completed3803at this stage?38043805    Question 5. Will you commit to ensuring that potential3806modifications to the BEAD program will not delay state project3807timelines?3808    Answer. Connecting every American to broadband is my top priority.3809If confirmed, I look forward to working with Secretary Lutnick and NTIA3810staff to expedite the BEAD program, get funding to the states, and3811expand broadband buildout, consistent with the law. The best metric of3812BEAD's effectiveness is its record of expeditiously increasing3813broadband access in unserved communities. If confirmed, I look forward3814to working with NTIA's career staff and state broadband offices to cut3815red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy, to avoid further delays and3816minimize work for states, consistent with the law.3817    In Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's announcement3818regarding review of the BEAD program, he stated the agency's interest3819in cutting ``. . . government red tape that slows down infrastructure3820construction.'' To that end, NTIA's waiver authority could be a tool3821used in addressing the streamlining of certain approvals.38223823    Question 6. How do you view the NTIA's waiver authority, and in3824what circumstances would you feel it is appropriate to exercise this3825authority with regard to the BEAD program?3826    Answer. I agree that issuing waivers where appropriate can be a3827tool in streamlining the BEAD program and speeding the deployment of3828broadband to Americans--the ultimate goal of the program. Although the3829appropriate circumstances for issuing a waiver depends on the specific3830context, as a general matter, I would look favorably on waivers that3831would speed the deployment of broadband consistent with the law. If3832confirmed, I look forward to consulting with NTIA's career staff and3833legal counsel on this issue.3834    At the state level, we understand that some documentation3835requirements could have an opportunity for streamlining. For example,3836deployment requirements related to Letters of Credit for contractors3837may not be appropriate in all situations, and updated guidance along3838these lines could be helpful to increase the speed of deployment and3839potentially reduce costs. For example, Letters of Credit may not always3840be most effective in ensuring security due to funding being3841reimbursable rather than provided in advance, and can make it harder3842for smaller companies to compete.38433844    Question 7. Will you commit to working with states to address and3845integrate feedback for Letter of Credit guidance?3846    Yes, I look forward to working with states on this issue if3847confirmed.3848    It is critical that the United States continues to uphold its trust3849responsibility to Tribal and Native communities.38503851    Question 8. Please provide a description of your understanding of3852the Federal trust responsibility to American Indians, Alaska Natives,3853and Native Hawaiians, and how that necessitates continuance of programs3854that directly and indirectly serve these communities.38553856    Question 9. As NTIA Director, will you commit to upholding this3857trust responsibility?38583859    Question 10. If confirmed, will you commit to maintaining the3860Tribal Consent requirements under the BEAD program as a necessary3861condition of state awards if projects implicate Tribal lands?38623863    Question 11. Will you commit to maintaining the Tribal Advisory3864Committee at NTIA?3865    Answer. I commit to upholding statutory requirements for NTIA with3866respect to Tribal and Native communities and the United States' trust3867responsibilities. I welcome the opportunity to work with your office on3868the issue of NTIA's trust responsibility to Tribal and Native3869communities, so I can learn more about these issues. If confirmed, I3870commit to working with NTIA's staff on issues regarding the Tribal3871Advisory Committee and do not intend or plan to dissolve the committee.3872    Many Tribes awarded 2.5 GHz spectra under the Federal3873Communications Commission (FCC) rural priority window over 4 years ago3874are under tight buildout and service deadlines that must be met to keep3875these licenses. NTIA's TBCP Round 2 awards are one of the sole sources3876of funds directly available to Tribes to build the networks and3877services needed to meet these deadlines and close the digital divide. I3878am concerned that Tribes could lose these licenses if any awards you3879will oversee are delayed or clawed back.38803881    Question 12. Will you commit to getting TBCP Round 2 awards out the3882door and prevent the fraud, waste, and abuse that will certainly happen3883if these awards are delayed?38843885    Question 13. Will you commit to proactively engaging with the FCC3886to make the connection between these two programs and ensuring that3887timelines for TBCP Round 2 funds do not negatively impact corresponding3888timelines for recipients under the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Program?3889    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to implementing NTIA's statutory3890requirements, including with respect to the Tribal Broadband3891Connectivity Program, and coordinating with the FCC in a timely manner.3892    On December 5, 2024, the Department of Commerce Office of the3893Inspector General released a report which included 11 recommendations3894to NTIA for improvising FirstNet Authority's management of the3895Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network. At the time, NTIA had3896concurred with all 11 recommendations.38973898    Question 14. Will you commit to the expeditious and complete3899implementation of the 11 recommendations outlined in the report?39003901    Question 15. Will you commit to ensuring that FirstNet continues3902its progress toward ensuring that the unique disaster planning needs of3903non-contiguous states, including Hawaii, are addressed?3904    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Inspector General to3905ensure that FirstNet is subject to appropriate oversight and proper3906management. I will also work to ensure FirstNet delivers on the promise3907of enhancing public safety communications throughout the country,3908including in non-contiguous states like Hawaii.3909    The NTIA played a critical role to work with the National Oceanic3910and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and3911Space Administration (NASA) to ensure their continued use of the 24 GHz3912band to monitor water vapor. Simply put, this band allows observers3913like NOAA, NASA, and their contractors to determine the amount of water3914vapor in the atmosphere--which increases the reliability of weather3915forecasts.39163917    Question 16. What are your plans to work with NOAA, NASA, and other3918government agencies to preserve their specific spectrum needs?3919    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with all Federal agencies to3920ensure that their spectrum needs are addressed. I will work to not only3921maintain but, where possible, improve NTIA's coordinating relationship3922with all Federal agencies, including NOAA and NASA, to protect critical3923Federal missions.3924    Unlicensed spectrum usage and the availability of Wi-Fi play3925critical roles in enabling innovation and connectivity.39263927    Question 17. As NTIA Director, how will you factor the value of Wi-3928Fi when evaluating spectrum management decisions?3929    Answer. I agree that unlicensed spectrum usage and Wi-Fi play3930critical roles in enabling innovation and connectivity. However, power3931levels and licensing rules for commercial spectrum are generally3932decisions within the FCC's domain, not NTIA's.3933                                 ______39343935   Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Edward Markey to3936                              Arielle Roth3937Artificial Intelligence:3938    Question 1. From AI accountability to data center growth to3939auditing for trustworthy AI systems, NTIA has been investigating and3940providing recommendations on some of the most complicated issues to3941ensure that AI innovation does not come at the expense of our trust,3942safety, and environment. If confirmed, what are your plans to address3943issues related to emerging technologies and artificial intelligence?3944    Answer. AI is becoming an increasingly important part of the3945Internet economy. While AI has the potential to deliver tremendous3946benefits to consumers, it also comes with risks. If confirmed, I will3947work to ensure that we lead the world on AI, and harness AI to promote3948economic competitiveness, national security, and human flourishing.39493950    Question 2. In September 2024, NTIA released a request for comments3951on U.S. data center growth to meet the demand from artificial3952intelligence and other emerging technologies. If confirmed, what is3953your plan for NTIA to address the electricity demand for U.S. data3954center growth?3955    Answer. I agree that AI has resulted in greater demand on data3956centers. It is unclear to me what, if any, authority NTIA has over3957electricity demand, but if confirmed, I welcome the opportunity to work3958with NTIA's staff and your office on this important issue.39593960    Question 3. NTIA recently released a report noting the benefits of3961open-source AI and has also concluded that the Federal government3962should invest in monitoring and testing AI for harms. Do you agree with3963these recommendations?3964    Answer. I have not had an opportunity to familiarize myself with3965this report but I look forward to reviewing it and hearing from career3966staff at NTIA on how they came to their recommendations.39673968    Question 4. In March 2024, NTIA released an extensive report on AI3969accountability, risk, and trustworthiness. The report provided guidance3970and multiple recommendations for the Federal government on how to3971ensure the growth of an artificial intelligence accountability3972framework and to address risks. Do you support this guidance and these3973recommendations?3974    Answer. I have not had an opportunity to familiarize myself with3975this report but I look forward to reviewing it and hearing from career3976staff at NTIA on how they came to their guidance and recommendations.3977Algorithmic Discrimination:3978    Question 5. Do you believe that bias and discriminatory artificial3979intelligence is a problem?3980    Answer. Yes.39813982    Question 6. If confirmed, what is your plan to address biased and3983discriminatory artificial intelligence, especially in critical areas3984such as health care, education, employment, and criminal justice?3985    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that we harness AI to3986promote human flourishing for all Americans.39873988    Question 7. What guardrails should there be for the Federal3989government's use of AI tools and other technologies, and what is NTIA's3990role in the development of such guardrails?3991    Answer. As I have been nominated to NTIA, I cannot speak to the use3992of AI tools and technologies across other government agencies. If3993confirmed, I would consult with the expert staff at NTIA and legal3994counsel on NTIA's role on this matter.39953996    Question 8. Do you believe that a company has an obligation to3997test, address, or measure its algorithms before deployment in order to3998determine whether it discriminates or is biased against protected3999characteristics?4000    Answer. This is not an issue that I have previously delved into. If4001confirmed, I would be honored to work with your office to learn more.40024003    Question 9. Do you believe that a company has an obligation to4004monitor its algorithms after deployment in order to determine whether4005it discriminates based on protected characteristics?4006    Answer. This is not an issue that I have previously delved into. If4007confirmed, I would be honored to work with your office to learn more.40084009    Question 10. Do you support the White House Office of Science and4010Technology Policy's Blueprint for an AI Bills of Rights?4011    Answer. I have not had an opportunity to review the Blueprint but4012look forward to looking into it.4013Closing the Digital Divide:4014    Question 11. Do you support closing the digital divide for low-4015income people?4016    Answer. Yes.40174018    Question 12. Do you support closing the digital divide for elderly4019individuals?4020    Answer. Yes.40214022    Question 13. Do you support closing the digital divide for4023incarcerated individuals?4024    Answer. Yes.40254026    Question 14. Do you support closing the digital divide for4027veterans?4028    Answer. Yes.40294030    Question 15. Do you support closing the digital divide for4031individuals with disabilities?4032    Answer. Yes.40334034    Question 16. Do you support closing the digital divide for4035individuals with a language barrier?4036    Answer. Yes.40374038    Question 17. Do you support closing the digital divide for4039individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group?4040    Answer. Yes.40414042    Question 18. Do you support closing the digital divide for people4043who primarily reside in a rural area?4044    Answer. Yes.40454046    Question 19. If confirmed, what is your plan to close the digital4047divide in our country?4048    Answer. Congress has directed NTIA to play a role in promoting4049broadband affordability by administering broadband programs like BEAD.4050NTIA can also help to reduce unnecessary permitting burdens that can4051increase the cost of providing broadband and expand commercial spectrum4052access, which in turn increases both mobile and broadband competition,4053driving down costs for consumers.4054    If confirmed, I will work to implement NTIA's broadband funding4055programs consistent with the law and expand spectrum access consistent4056with national security and the needs of other Federal agencies.40574058    Question 20. If confirmed, what is your plan to close the digital4059divide for Indigenous people?4060    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to implementing NTIA's statutory4061requirements, including with respect to the Tribal Broadband4062Connectivity Program and other broadband funding programs, and will4063work to expand spectrum access consistent with national security and4064the needs of other Federal agencies.40654066    Question 21. If confirmed, what is your plan to close the digital4067divide for students?4068    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to implement NTIA's broadband4069funding programs consistent with the law and expand spectrum access4070consistent with national security and the needs of other Federal4071agencies.4072Digital Equity Act4073    Question 22. Do you believe that the Digital Equity Act is4074constitutional?4075    Answer. Making sure Americans have the resources and skills they4076need to participate in the digital economy was part of the IIJA and I4077will follow the law.4078    If confirmed, I commit to implementing NTIA's statutory4079requirements, including with respect to the Digital Equity Act.4080    I would defer to the Department of Justice on constitutional4081matters.40824083    Question 23. Will you commit to ensuring the projects already4084recommended for a Digital Equity Act award can move forward and begin4085their work to ensure residents in their communities can get and stay4086connected to the Internet safely?4087    Answer. Making sure Americans have the resources and skills they4088need to participate in the digital economy was part of the IIJA and I4089will follow the law.4090Free Speech and Technology:4091    Question 24. Do you believe it is constitutional to ban children4092and/or teens from social media?4093    Answer. I would defer to the Department of Justice on this4094constitutional matter. As the nominee to head NTIA, this is not an4095issue that I would see within my remit.40964097    Question 25. Do you believe that a social media platform's4098algorithmic ranking of content constitutes the speech of the platform?4099    Answer. I would defer to the Department of Justice on this4100constitutional matter. As the nominee to head NTIA, this is not an4101issue that I would see within my remit.41024103    Question 26. Do you believe that a social media platform's content4104moderation decisions constitute the speech of the platform?4105    Answer. I would defer to the Department of Justice on this4106constitutional matter. As the nominee to head NTIA, this is not an4107issue that I would see within my remit.41084109    Question 27. Do you believe that private communications between4110employees of the Federal government and social media platforms related4111to content moderation decisions or rules and the algorithmic ranking of4112content can violate the rights of the platform's users? If so, please4113describe the circumstances and/or conditions under which those4114communications would be unconstitutional?4115    Answer. I would defer to the Department of Justice on this4116constitutional matter. As the nominee to head NTIA, this is not an4117issue that I would see within my remit.41184119    Question 28. Do you believe that formal actions by Federal agencies4120to investigate the content moderation decisions or rules or algorithmic4121ranking of content on social media platforms could be unconstitutional?4122If so, please describe the circumstances and/or conditions under which4123those actions would be unconstitutional?4124    Answer. I would defer to the Department of Justice on this4125constitutional matter. As the nominee to head NTIA, this is not an4126issue that I would see within my remit.41274128    Question 29. Do you support the repeal of Section 230 of the4129Communications Decency Act?4130    Answer. That is a matter for Congress to decide. If confirmed, I4131will abide by the law.41324133    Question 30. Do you believe that the Federal Communications4134Commission has authority to issue interpretative guidance or conduct a4135rulemaking interpreting on Section 230 of the Communications Decency4136Act?4137    Answer. This is a question that would be more appropriately4138addressed to the FCC, not the NTIA nominee.4139                                 ______41404141    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Gary Peters to4142                              Arielle Roth4143    A key part of NTIA's role is coordinating and advocating on Federal4144spectrum use. This goes beyond just key national security uses at the4145Department of Defense--other agencies retain certain bands for public4146safety applications that must be protected. One such band is 5.9, also4147known as Auto Safety Spectrum, which is overseen by the Department of4148Transportation.4149    This band allows for the deployment of safety technologies4150including cellular vehicle-to-everything technology that enables4151collision avoidance, faster emergency response times, school bus4152alerts, freight efficiency improvement, and more. In 2020, some of this4153spectrum was allocated away from these safety purposes, which will4154reduce roadway safety long term. That can't happen again.41554156    Question 1. If confirmed, will you commit to protecting the4157remaining auto safety spectrum for roadway safety innovation like4158cellular vehicle-to-everything technology?4159    Answer. If confirmed, I pledge to work with all Federal agencies on4160their use of spectrum, including the Department of Transportation, to4161protect public safety.4162    Michigan's High Speed Internet Office, also known as ``Mi-Hi,'' has4163been one of the most effective state offices in carrying out the BEAD4164program--beginning from a highly successful mapping and comprehensive4165challenge process. They are on the cusp of closing their subgrantee4166process wherein they will identify the companies who will build out4167broadband connecting every single Michigander to reliable internet.41684169    Question 2. Will you commit to meeting with ``Mi-Hi'' to understand4170my state's needs if you are confirmed?4171    Answer. Yes.4172    As you know, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorized over $484173billion in total funding for NTIA's programs expanding broadband4174access. Aside from the BEAD program, Michigan has already been awarded4175$61 million through the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure4176Program and $38.7 million in expected funding through the Digital4177Equity Act. Applicants for the DEA Competitive Grant have submitted4178strong proposals that will increase economic opportunity in low-income4179communities--like Human I-T's repurposing of used technology and Life4180Remodeled's construction of Opportunity Hubs for Detroiters--but the4181review process has been stalled.41824183    Question 3. If confirmed, will you commit to releasing the full4184amount of these congressionally-approved funds?4185    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to release congressionally4186authorized funds to all states, including Michigan, consistent with4187NTIA's statutory authority.4188                                 ______41894190   Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Baldwin to4191                              Arielle Roth4192    Question 1. Describe any proactive approach you will take at NTIA4193to support American workers, manufacturers, and businesses, including4194through broadband infrastructure implementation?4195    Answer. If confirmed, I will do everything I can to support4196American workers, manufacturers, businesses, consumers, and taxpayers4197to deploy broadband expeditiously. I commit to looking into this issue4198if confirmed and I look forward to supporting the twin goals of speedy4199broadband deployment and an American manufacturing renaissance.42004201    Question 2. The Digital Equity Act Program, created in the4202Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was established to ensure every American4203can have the skills and technology needed to participate in today's4204digital economy. In January 2025, NTIA recommended 65 projects across4205the country for competitive grant awards, including two for Wisconsin.4206    The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee was recommended an4207award of nearly $10 million to improve accessibility to computers for4208youth, provide technical training for students, establish adult digital4209literacy classes, and more. The Boys and Girls Club of Greater4210Milwaukee has yet to receive those funds, and my office's attempts to4211receive more information from NTIA have been stonewalled.4212    If confirmed, will you commit to ensuring these committed dollars4213get out the door without additional delay?4214    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to expeditiously release4215congressionally authorized funds to all states, including Wisconsin,4216consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.4217                                 ______42184219    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Jacky Rosen to4220                              Arielle Roth4221    Question 1. Digital Equity Competitive Grant: Clark County, Nevada,4222is poised to receive $10.7 million through the Digital Equity Act4223Competitive Grant program for a comprehensive project that will provide4224critical job-related digital skills training, particularly for4225underserved communities, youth, and small business owners. This4226investment will directly translate to economic opportunities for Clark4227County residents and businesses.42284229    a. Will you commit to preserving and fully implementing programs4230created under the Digital Equity Act, ensuring that communities like4231Clark County can continue to benefit from these vital resources that4232help small businesses and seniors?42334234    b. Would you consider projects that teach seniors digital skills,4235like how to avoid common scams online, an important use of funds under4236this program?42374238    c. Would you consider projects that teach small businesses how to4239set up websites and engage on e-commerce an important use of funds4240under this program?42414242    d. Would you consider projects that teach AI skills, like how to4243use AI tools safely and how to spot AI deepfakes, an important use of4244funds under this program?4245    Answer. These are all relevant and important skills for seniors,4246small businesses, and others to develop in the 21st century. I also4247appreciate your voice and position on this topic given your experience4248in computer programming. Making sure Americans have the resources and4249skills they need to participate in the digital economy was part of the4250IIJA and I will follow the law. If confirmed, I commit to implementing4251NTIA's statutory requirements, including with respect to the Digital4252Equity Act.42534254    Question 2. National Spectrum Strategy Implementation: NTIA is4255supposed to be the arm of the Executive Branch, that coordinates4256spectrum for use by the Federal government, including the military.4257NTIA's work is critical because it seeks to ensure the most efficient4258use of spectrum for agency needs, and it should work in concert with4259the Federal Communications Commission to assess whether re-allocating4260Federal spectrum to non-Federal use is feasible. NTIA, under President4261Biden, put forth a National Spectrum Strategy (NSS) that sought to4262develop a ``spectrum pipeline to ensure U.S. leadership in advanced and4263emerging technologies.'' I am concerned, though, this Administration4264does not prioritize robust spectrum policy, considering that the4265interagency process has broken down in recent years, reaching its nadir4266during the first Trump Administration.42674268    a. If confirmed, how will you advance NTIA's mission of4269coordinating Federal use of this finite resource and ensure the Federal4270government speaks with one voice?42714272    b Will you commit to advancing the work of the NSS and developing a4273spectrum pipeline?42744275    c. Will you commit to updating this Committee every three months on4276your progress in supporting efforts to balance spectrum needs and4277optimize Federal uses?4278    Answer. I agree that advancing a spectrum pipeline to promote U.S.4279leadership in advanced and emerging technologies, as intended by the4280NSS, must remain a key priority for our country. I also agree that this4281requires a robust and successful interagency coordination process. As4282mandated in its enabling statute, NTIA is the coordinator of Federal4283spectrum and is in charge of coordinating the executive branch's4284position on spectrum issues. If confirmed, I pledge to abide by NTIA's4285statutory role on spectrum and making Federal spectrum use as efficient4286as possible, consistent with national security and public safety. Upon4287confirmation, I will confer with NTIA staff on the status of the4288agency's spectrum studies. I also pledge to maintain open channels with4289Congress on NTIA's spectrum work and to update this Committee on the4290agency's progress on a quarterly basis.42914292    Question 3. NTIA Coordination and Commercial Certainty: Under the4293previous Trump Administration, we saw NTIA fail to properly coordinate4294Federal use of spectrum, with the Federal Communications Commission4295auctioning off multiple bands over the objections of key agencies like4296the Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration, and NASA.4297The lack of coordination and communication between Federal agencies,4298the NTIA, and the FCC led to billions in lawsuits, unusable licenses,4299and delays in deployment of commercial networks.43004301    a. If confirmed, how will you ensure the NTIA coordinates across4302Federal agencies and works with the FCC to provide certainty to4303commercial spectrum users that if there is an auction of licenses or4304current licenses are approved for new uses, the decision has been4305through a robust consultation process with Federal agencies with4306impacted equities?4307    Answer. There should always be a robust coordination process with4308impacted Federal agencies. As mandated in its enabling statute, NTIA is4309the coordinator of Federal spectrum and is in charge of communicating4310the executive branch's position on spectrum issues. If confirmed, I4311pledge to abide by NTIA's statutory role on spectrum, work closely with4312other Federal agencies to ensure critical Federal missions are4313protected, and maintain clear and frequent communications with the FCC4314in communicating the views of the executive branch.43154316    Question 4. Nevada's Approved BEAD Final Proposal: Over two months4317ago, NTIA approved Nevada's Final BEAD Proposal, and the NIST grants4318officer who administers the funding also signed off on the proposal4319weeks ago.43204321    a. Given that Nevada's Final Proposal has been fully approved, when4322can we expect Nevada's BEAD funding to be disbursed?43234324    b. Is it the Administration's intention to require states with4325approved final proposals, like Nevada and Louisiana, to restart their4326entire BEAD process, and would you support this?43274328    c. Is it the Administration's intention to make states with4329approved final proposals, like Nevada and Louisiana, re-bid or re-do4330their entire selection process, and would you support this?4331    Answer. As I have not yet been confirmed, I have not been made4332privy to the Administration's intention on BEAD for states with4333approved proposals. However, connecting every American to broadband4334expeditiously is my top priority, and I agree that the Department must4335move quickly to disburse funding to Nevada, consistent with the law. If4336confirmed, I look forward to working with Secretary Lutnick and NTIA4337staff to expedite the BEAD program, get funding to the states, and4338expand broadband buildout, consistent with the law. I look forward to4339working with NTIA's career staff and state broadband offices to cut red4340tape and unnecessary bureaucracy, to avoid further delays and minimize4341work for states, consistent with the law.43424343    Question 5. NTIA Approvals under the IIJA: As you stated in your4344confirmation hearing, you are committed to following the law. Are you4345aware of any part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law--which I helped4346write, along with other members of this Committee--that gives the NTIA4347the authority to withdraw approval for a plan or require a resubmission4348AFTER it has already approved the proposal?4349    Answer. If confirmed and the issue of withdrawing an already4350approved proposal were to come up, I would consult with legal counsel4351and NTIA's career staff. I am not currently aware of a specific4352provision in the IIJA on this point.43534354    Question 6. BEAD Delays under this Administration: Secretary4355Lutnick has said that the Trump Administration wants to ``get rid of4356the delays'' in the BEAD program. And in Nevada, we have providers4357ready to build tomorrow and can have people connected by the end of the4358summer, but are waiting for Nevada's funding to be released. Last week,4359Chairman Cruz, along with 12 Republican members of this Committee sent4360a letter, calling for moving this program forward ``without any more4361delay caused by unnecessary government interference.'' Requiring states4362to re-bid with new guidance would delay buildout in Nevada, at minimum,4363another 15-18 months.43644365    a. How does delaying Nevada's BEAD funding and buildout align with4366the Administration's purported goal to eliminate delays?43674368    b. Across the country, states have collectively spent over $1004369million on planning, working with providers, bidding projects, and4370selecting final projects. Ms. Roth, would it be FAST or EFFICIENT to4371require states like Nevada and Louisiana to scrap that work and restart4372the bidding process under completely different rules?4373    Answer. It seemingly would not be ``fast or efficient'' to throw4374away that work and restart the process from scratch. Connecting every4375American to broadband expeditiously is my top priority. I understand4376the frustration with the delay in getting funding to your state. It is4377unfortunate that the previous Administration spent three years on4378administrative tasks instead of focusing on getting shovels into the4379ground. However, I believe the short-term delay that is needed to4380correct these missteps will enable NTIA to oversee a more efficient,4381effective broadband loan program in the long run. If confirmed, I look4382forward to working with Secretary Lutnick, NTIA staff, and state4383broadband offices to expedite the BEAD program, get funding to the4384states, and expand broadband buildout, consistent with the law. I look4385forward to working with NTIA's career staff and state broadband offices4386to cut red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy, to avoid further delays4387and minimize work for states, consistent with the law.43884389    Question 7. Priority Broadband Projects under IIJA: In Nevada, we4390have an all-of-the-above approach to technology that aligns with the4391intent of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The statute is tech4392neutral, in that it prioritizes the necessary technology to meet4393certain speed and scalability outcomes. Specifically, the statute4394defines a priority broadband project as one that satisfies quality,4395reliability, and speed requirements and can easily scale for future4396connectivity needs and 5G technologies. This is important, because4397while the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is tech neutral, it also has4398standards for such technology, and scalability for 5G technology is one4399of them.44004401    a. Does satellite technology currently support the scalability of44025G services?44034404    b. Could satellite broadband services be considered under the4405statutory definition of a ``priority broadband project'' under the4406Bipartisan Infrastructure Law?4407    Answer. Satellite technology is changing fast enough that I would4408want to consult with NTIA's engineers before making a determination on4409its current capabilities. If confirmed, I will consult with NTIA's4410engineers and attorneys to determine which specific products, services,4411and technologies meet the criteria in the law for ``priority broadband4412project'' per the IIJA.44134414    Question 8. Cost of Internet: Secretary Lutnick has announced that4415he is ``revamping'' BEAD to make it tech neutral--which it already is--4416and the ``lowest cost''. But costs for Elon Musk's Starlink right now4417are over $120 a month, while Internet service providers in Nevada offer4418higher speeds for less than half of that. What benefits will Americans4419receive if the NTIA changes the rules for BEAD to give rural areas4420slower, less reliable Internet that costs consumers more money?4421    Answer. Such a scenario would not be a desirable result. If4422confirmed, I will work to deliver the best broadband service possible4423to all Americans, consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.44244425    Question 9. High Cost Locations: Some in this Administration have4426questioned why we are building in high cost locations, calling for some4427sort of cap on the costs of building out broadband to certain4428locations. Not only would this be misguided and inject uncertainty into4429the program, but it is in direct contradiction with the purpose of the4430BEAD program: to close the digital divide. If the private sector could4431easily build out to these hard-to-serve locations, they would have4432already. Providing high-speed, reliable broadband to all Americans who4433have been left behind is the explicit purpose of the law. In Nevada,4434many of the high cost awards in Nevada were awarded to the sole bidder4435of that project. Satellite couldn't serve those areas technologically--4436and fixed wireless bids often ended up being even more expensive. A4437national per location cap disregards complex factors that vary state by4438state and could prevent states from being able to connect 100 percent4439of unserved locations with the money allocated to the state under the4440program.44414442    a. Would you support instituting an arbitrary national cap on costs4443per location?44444445    b. Would you support instituting an arbitrary national cap on costs4446per location, even if that provider was the sole bidder of that4447location?4448    Answer. I do not support taking any arbitrary actions. If confirmed4449and the issue of a per-location cap were to come up, I would consult4450with legal counsel, NTIA's career staff, state broadband offices,4451industry stakeholders, and this Committee as appropriate. Moreover, a4452per-location cap, should it come up, would need to account for4453consideration of high-cost areas, including high-cost Tribal areas.4454                                 ______44554456   Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ben Ray Lujan to4457                              Arielle Roth4458    Question 1. Sec. Lutnick is calling on states to use the lowest4459cost option when building out broadband under the BEAD Program.4460Although satellite is cheaper and quicker to deploy in the short-term,4461it will be more expensive in the long-term. Fiber is considered the4462gold standard in Internet connection.44634464    Yes or no, do you support deprioritizing fiber in favor of fixed4465wireless or LEO satellites?4466    Answer. I support an all-of-the-above solution, including fiber as4467well as alternative technologies where appropriate. If confirmed, I4468will work to deliver the best broadband service possible to all4469Americans, consistent with NTIA's statutory authority.44704471    a. Are you aware of any small LEO operators that satisfy IIJA's4472100/20 mbps speeds and low latency conditions?4473    Answer. I am not, but satellite technology is changing fast enough4474that I would want to consult with NTIA's engineers before making a4475determination on its current capabilities. If confirmed, I will consult4476with NTIA's engineers and attorneys to determine which specific4477products, services, and technologies meet these criteria.44784479    Question 2. Earlier this month, Secretary Lutnick put out a4480statement saying that the Commerce Department is ``revamping the BEAD4481program to take a tech-neutral approach that is rigorously driven by4482outcomes, so states can provide Internet access for the lowest cost.''44834484    Yes or no, do you support requiring states to overhaul and resubmit4485their BEAD plans?44864487    a. If yes: How does that comport with your goal of deploying the4488money ``expeditiously''?4489    Answer. Connecting every American to broadband expeditiously is my4490top priority. If confirmed, I look forward to working with Secretary4491Lutnick and NTIA staff to expedite the BEAD program, get funding to the4492states, and expand broadband buildout, consistent with the law. I look4493forward to working with NTIA's career staff and state broadband offices4494to cut red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy, to avoid further delays4495and minimize work for states, consistent with the law.44964497    Question 3. During a June 2024 Federalist Society event you stated,4498``Instead of prioritizing connecting all Americans who are currently4499unserved to Broadband, the NTIA has just been preoccupied with4500attaching all kinds of extra-legal requirements on BEAD, and to be4501honest, a woke social agenda.'' What provisions or requirements of BEAD4502constitute a ``woke social agenda''? Please be specific.4503    Answer. At this panel, I was speaking in my capacity as the4504telecommunications policy director reflecting the views of Chairman4505Cruz who has expressed concern around extra-legal BEAD requirements.4506The concern over unnecessary requirements was notably discussed a few4507weeks ago by Ezra Klein and Jon Stewart on a podcast and flagged by the4508prior Administration's own BEAD director. If confirmed, I look forward4509to working with NTIA's career staff and state broadband offices to cut4510red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy, to avoid further delays and4511minimize work for states, consistent with the law.45124513    Question 4. You previously stated that ACP had a failed record in4514connecting unserved Americans. However, by the time the program ended,4515more than 23 million households had accessed the ACP, which totals4516nearly 40 percent of eligible households. There is also strong evidence4517that the program provided vastly more economic benefits than it cost.4518    Yes or no, do you stand by your statement that ACP had a ``failed4519record''?45204521    a. If yes, what evidence do you have to back up your statement?4522    Answer. I was speaking in my capacity as the telecommunications4523policy director reflecting the views of Chairman Cruz who has4524documented concerns about ACP's record. Some of those were addressed in4525the language you offered to reform ACP. I support ensuring that4526broadband is affordable for low-income Americans. Of course, ensuring4527that low-income broadband programs are effective and targeted can be4528challenging, but it is something I am willing to put significant effort4529into to get right. I would welcome the opportunity to work with your4530office on this important, bipartisan issue.45314532    Question 5. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 20214533requires Internet service providers participating in the BEAD program4534to offer a low-cost service option. NTIA gives states flexibility about4535how they implement the low-cost requirement, with offerings ranging4536from $15 a month in New York to up to $150 in Alaska. Yes or no, do you4537commit to follow the law and require all BEAD subgrantees to offer at4538least one low-cost broadband service option, as required under the4539statute?4540    Answer. Yes, I commit to following the law.45414542    Question 6. As you know, the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program4543allocates $3 billion to support Tribal governments deployment projects,4544telehealth, and online educational opportunities. The last4545administration announced several awards at the end of 2024 but $14546billion remains to be distributed. Will you commit to administer the4547remaining funds?4548    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to implementing NTIA's statutory4549requirements, including with respect to the Tribal Broadband4550Connectivity Program.45514552    Question 7. As Administrator, you have a critical role in ensuring4553that Federal incumbents are using their spectrum resources efficiently.4554In some cases, reallocating the spectrum for nonfederal use may not be4555an option yet there may be opportunities to share spectrum to ensure4556its maximum benefit for the Federal government and consumers alike.4557Would you commit to requiring NTIA to publish clear timelines and4558stakeholder engagement opportunities as part of any spectrum studies4559aiming to commercialize Federal spectrum?4560    Answer. As mandated in its enabling statute, NTIA is the4561coordinator of Federal spectrum and is in charge of coordinating the4562executive branch's position on spectrum issues. If confirmed, I pledge4563to abide by NTIA's statutory role on spectrum and making Federal4564spectrum use as efficient as possible, consistent with national4565security and public safety. Upon confirmation, I will confer with NTIA4566staff on the status of the agency's spectrum studies. I also pledge to4567maintain open channels with stakeholders on NTIA's spectrum work.4568                                 ______45694570 Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Hickenlooper to4571                              Arielle Roth4572    The NTIA is responsible for advocating for Federal agencies in key4573spectrum policy deliberations. In recent years, certain agency views4574have been raised to highlight potential impacts to Federal missions as4575a result of harmful interference to NOAA satellites that help predict4576weather; impacts to our GPS systems; and after a commercial ``C-Band''4577auction, concerns were raised about impacts to aircraft altimeters4578which required a voluntary pause for licensees to use new C-Band4579licenses to preserve aviation safety.45804581    Question 1. With specificity, what instances or scenarios do you4582consider to be ``harmful interference'' between Federal agencies and a4583range of unlicensed users using spectrum? Do you believe past spectrum4584policy decisions were hurried or created ``harmful interference'' to4585Federal missions? Why or why not?4586    Answer. I have great respect for the engineers at NTIA, the FCC,4587and the various Federal agencies that rely on spectrum. It would be my4588top priority to protect national security and public safety in any4589spectrum decisions I make if confirmed. Harmful interference to4590critical Federal operations is unacceptable.4591    One prominent instance of harmful interference between Federal and4592unlicensed users was an episode in 2009, in which the Federal Aviation4593Administration became aware of interference to Terminal Doppler Weather4594Radars that operate in the 5600-5650 MHz band and provide measurements4595of weather hazards for improved safety of operations in and around4596airports. According to a report written by NTIA with the assistance of4597FAA engineers, the interference was caused by unlicensed devices4598operating in the same band. This incident underscores the need for4599proper coordination between Federal and commercial users.4600    I look forward to working to protect against harmful interference4601in any spectrum decisions I make if confirmed.4602    International standards are key to all forms of emerging4603technologies-including communications. The upcoming World4604Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) in 2027 is a key date where global4605decisions will be made on the future of 6G, space-based communications,4606and expanding Wi-Fi capabilities.46074608    Question 2. What is your specific plan to help prepare and develop4609consensus priorities for the United States delegation to pursue at the4610WRC-27 convening?4611    Answer. It is critically important for the United States to be4612prepared for WRC-27, and we need to establish our international policy4613positions on spectrum as quickly as possible. I believe NTIA has a very4614important role in that and, if confirmed, will work expeditiously to4615ensure that the delegation has what it needs to be successful. Central4616to being prepared for the WRC is convening relevant Federal agencies4617and stakeholders beforehand so that our country enters the WRC with4618unified positions.4619    The State of Colorado has recently finalized its second application4620window to expand broadband to roughly 171,000 locations. If our State's4621Final Proposal is approved by the NTIA, Coloradans will finally see4622broadband expansion using a diverse mix of technologies, including4623fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite. With our state's complex4624geography, ensuring every household has high-speed connectivity is our4625North Star.46264627    Question 3. As the Department of Commerce considers reforms to the4628BEAD Program, will you commit to allowing States to continue with their4629project planning and award process without unnecessary delay?4630    Answer. I agree that we should avoid unnecessary delay. Connecting4631every American to broadband expeditiously is my top priority. If4632confirmed, I look forward to working with Secretary Lutnick and NTIA4633staff to expedite the BEAD program, get funding to the states, and4634expand broadband buildout, consistent with the law. I look forward to4635working with NTIA's career staff and state broadband offices to cut red4636tape and unnecessary bureaucracy, to avoid further delays and minimize4637work for states, consistent with the law.4638                                 ______46394640Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester to4641                              Arielle Roth4642    Question. Ms. Roth, cybersecurity in our Nation's broadband4643networks is such an important part of our digital ecosystem.4644Additionally, with the rise of AI systems and Internet of Things4645applications, broadband users will have more potential vectors of4646attack for bad actors to target.4647    With the recent Salt Typhoon hack proving the necessity of4648cybersecurity programs, can you tell me, given the NTIA's advisory role4649to the President, your concrete plans in your first 100 days if4650approved for this role, to address safely integrating these emerging4651technologies into our country's broadband networks?4652    Answer. Salt Typhoon was a massive penetration of our country's4653communications networks, and it is important to plug any4654vulnerabilities to prevent future attacks. If confirmed, I look forward4655to working with NTIA's staff and other Federal agencies to develop and4656promote standards and best practices for cybersecurity. Although NTIA4657does not have regulatory authority, it can play a key role in policy4658development, advocacy, and information sharing with respect to4659cybersecurity.