HR-6624 : Still Just a Bill


Utilizing Strategic Allied Telecommunications Act of 2020 or the USA Telecommunications Act

This bill establishes a program through which the Department of Commerce shall award grants to support the deployment and use of Open RAN 5G Networks throughout the United States.

Open RAN 5G Networks are networks that follow a set of open standards (such as O-RAN standards or the Open Radio Access Network approach to standardization) and open interfaces for multi-vendor network equipment interoperability.

Grants awarded under the program shall, among other things, (1) promote technology that will enhance competitiveness in the supply chains of Open RAN 5G Networks, (2) accelerate the deployment of Open Network Equipment, and (3) promote the inclusion of security features that enhance the integrity and availability of such equipment.

Commerce must also (1) establish the criteria for a grant award, (2) establish a committee that advises on technology developments to inform both the grant program and government efforts to support Open RAN 5G Network supply chains, and (3) report on the grant program and 5G network supply chains.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2020-11-18IntroReferralReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.Senate
2020-11-17FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2020-11-17FloorOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5823-5824)House floor actions
2020-11-17FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6624.House floor actions
2020-11-17FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5823-5825)House floor actions
2020-11-17FloorMr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
2020-11-16CalendarsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 487.House floor actions
2020-11-16CommitteeReported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 116-589.House floor actions
2020-07-15CommitteeOrdered to be Reported by Voice Vote.House committee actions
2020-07-15CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2020-04-24IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.House floor actions
2020-04-24IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Science, Technology, Communications
Related Subjects
  • Advanced technology and technological innovations
  • Advisory bodies
  • Competitiveness, trade promotion, trade deficits
  • Computers and information technology
  • Congressional oversight
  • Telephone and wireless communication
Related Geographic Entities
Related Organizations

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