NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2482
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-29: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-11T02:58:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 2482) aims to reauthorize and modernize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an agency within the Department of Commerce responsible for advising on telecommunications and information policies. It updates the agency's leadership structure, funding, reporting requirements, and internal organization to improve efficiency in managing spectrum resources (radio frequencies used for communications) and international telecommunications matters.
Key Provisions
- Reauthorization and Funding (Section 101): Authorizes $57 million in appropriations for NTIA for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, replacing outdated funding levels from the early 1990s.
- Leadership Changes (Section 101(b)):
- Renames the head of NTIA from "Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information" to "Under Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information," elevating the position in the executive hierarchy.
- Establishes a "Deputy Under Secretary" role to advise the Under Secretary and serve in their absence.
- Allows the current Assistant Secretary and Deputy to continue in the new roles without reappointment.
- Updates pay scale under federal law to match the higher Under Secretary level.
- Coordination and Responsibilities (Section 101(c)): Enhances NTIA's role in coordinating executive branch views on matters before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), ensuring they reflect broader government policy without altering FCC's independent authority.
- Consolidated Reporting (Section 102):
- Eliminates several outdated or one-time reporting requirements (e.g., quarterly reports on broadband programs from 2009 and certain annual reports).
- Requires a single annual consolidated report submitted in the first quarter of each year, covering key NTIA activities like internet connectivity, digital equity grants, and wireless supply chain innovation (if applicable).
- Extends audit requirements for certain broadband programs through fiscal year 2024.
- Office of Spectrum Management (Section 201): Creates a new office within NTIA, led by an Associate Administrator, to handle federal radio frequency assignments, policy guidance for government agencies, coordination with the FCC on spectrum allocation, and international spectrum aspects.
- Office of International Affairs (Section 301): Establishes another new office, led by an Associate Administrator, to develop U.S. international telecommunications policies, represent NTIA in global forums (e.g., International Telecommunication Union), coordinate with the State Department, and advise on international impacts of domestic policies.
- Technical Amendments: Updates references to the old "Assistant Secretary" title across numerous federal laws (e.g., Communications Act of 1934, Homeland Security Act of 2002, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) to reflect the new "Under Secretary" title, ensuring consistency without changing underlying authorities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Funding Update: Replaces obsolete authorization amounts ($17.6–17.9 million from 1992–1993) with current levels ($57 million for 2025–2026), providing stable support for NTIA operations.
- Title and Structural Elevation: Shifts NTIA leadership from Assistant Secretary (a mid-level position) to Under Secretary (a senior executive role), including a new deputy position; this is the most substantive organizational change, with conforming edits in over 15 statutes.
- Reporting Streamlining: Repeals or modifies redundant reports (e.g., removes BTOP quarterly reporting and three sections from the NTIA Organization Act); introduces a unified annual report to reduce administrative burden while maintaining transparency on key programs.
- New Offices: Adds dedicated offices for spectrum management and international affairs, formalizing duties previously scattered under broader NTIA responsibilities (e.g., frequency allocation under 47 U.S.C. 902(b)(2)).
- No Expansion of Authority: Explicitly states that changes do not alter the powers of NTIA, the FCC, or the Secretary of Commerce.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Improves NTIA's internal efficiency through specialized offices, better coordination with the FCC and other agencies (e.g., on spectrum use by federal entities like defense), and reduced reporting workload, potentially allowing more focus on policy development. Elevating the leader to Under Secretary could enhance NTIA's influence within the Department of Commerce and executive branch.
- On Citizens: Indirect benefits via more effective management of telecommunications resources, such as improved broadband access and digital equity programs (through consolidated reporting on grants). No direct effects on individual rights or services.
- On International Relations: Strengthens U.S. positioning in global telecommunications negotiations by formalizing NTIA's international office, which coordinates with the State Department and represents U.S. interests in bodies like the International Telecommunication Union; this could aid in spectrum policy alignment with allies and address issues like 5G/6G standards.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- NTIA and Department of Commerce: Primary beneficiary, with structural upgrades and funding to support operations.
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Enhanced coordination on spectrum and policy matters, without loss of independence.
- Other Federal Agencies: Including the State Department (for international coordination), Defense Department (for spectrum use), and agencies involved in broadband/telecom programs, which gain clearer guidance.
- Congress: Receives streamlined annual reports, improving oversight of NTIA activities.
- Private Sector and International Bodies: Telecom companies, nonprofits (e.g., in digital equity), and organizations like the International Telecommunication Union may see indirect benefits from better U.S. policy formulation and representation.
- Current NTIA Leadership: Individuals in Assistant Secretary roles transition seamlessly to higher positions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Ensures continuity by substituting the Under Secretary in ongoing civil actions and preserving all existing authorities; conforming amendments prevent inconsistencies in federal law, avoiding potential litigation over outdated references. No new regulatory burdens are imposed.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Article II executive organization powers, as it reorganizes an existing agency without infringing on congressional oversight or FCC's quasi-independent status (protected under existing statutes). The elevation to Under Secretary fits within standard executive branch hierarchy adjustments.
- Political: Represents bipartisan modernization of a key tech policy agency amid growing demands for spectrum and international telecom leadership (e.g., in AI and wireless tech); could signal priorities for digital infrastructure without partisan controversy, as the bill passed the House and was referred to Senate committees. Streamlined reporting may reduce administrative costs, appealing to efficiency-focused lawmakers.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5]
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-29: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-04-28: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-04-28: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1657-1660)
- 2025-04-28: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1657-1660)
- 2025-04-28: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2482.
- 2025-04-28: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1657-1661)
- 2025-04-28: Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2025-04-24: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 40.
- 2025-04-24: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-63.
- 2025-04-24: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-63.
- 2025-04-08: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 2025-04-08: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-03-31: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-03-31: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-31: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration Reauthorization Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-28 — PDF (30 pages)
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration Reauthorization Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-31 — PDF (27 pages)
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration Reauthorization Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-29 — PDF (28 pages)
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration Reauthorization Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-24 — PDF (30 pages)