INTERNET & BROADBAND
Joe Sestak’s position on technological development and innovation is born out of his strong support of small and independent businesses. The rise of the internet, and the immense technological innovation that has come with it, has created a new avenue for economic competition that has greatly benefited our Nation.
HIGHLIGHTS OF JOE SESTAK’S LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION
CO-SPONSORED THE INTERNET FREEDOM PRESERVATION ACT.
The Internet Freedom Preservation Act has three main aims. First, it would amend the 1934 Communications Act “to maintain the freedom to use for lawful purposes broadband telecommunications networks, including the Internet, without unreasonable interference from or discrimination by network operators.” This language would prohibit interference from network operators of the Internet and effectively establishes network neutrality with regard to content.
The second key provision of the bill tasks the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with the job of conducting an assessment of broadband services and consumer rights. It requires the FCC to evaluate several items, including whether broadband network providers are adhering to the FCC’s own Broadband Policy Statement (FCC 05-151), whether broadband network providers add charges for services that are inconsistent with the bill’s expression of Internet freedom principles, and whether certain consumer-friendly applications (such as anti-spam services and parental content blocking tools), network management functions, or policies for prioritizing particular Internet traffic (such as for emergency communications) may be consistent with such principles. The assessment will also include an analysis of the benefits of an open platform for the U.S. economy and how Federal broadband policies and regulations (such as spectrum allocations, video franchising rules, or universal service programs) may impact the prospects for protecting and promoting Internet freedom.
Finally, the legislation also requires the FCC to conduct eight public broadband summits around the country within a year after the date of enactment of the bill. The goal of such summits is to obtain testimony and input from consumers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, investors, local governments, academics, labor organizations, and other interested parties about Internet freedom and U.S. broadband policies affecting consumer protection, competition, and consumer choice.
VOTED FOR THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT (ARRA).
The ARRA provides $7.2 billion for broadband grant programs to be administered by two separate agencies: the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the Department of Commerce and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with $4.7 billion and $2.5 billion for the two programs respectively.
The NTIA program was appropriated $4.35 billion for a competitive broadband grant program, of which $200 million will be available for competitive grants for expanding public computer center capacity (including at community colleges and public libraries); and $250 million will be available to encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. The NTIA appropriation also includes $350 million for a national broadband inventory map and funding to develop a national broadband plan. The NTIA was directed to consult with each state to identify unserved and underserved areas
The $2.5 billion appropriated to RUS is designated as additional amounts for RUS grant, loan, and loan guarantee programs, which improve access to broadband in rural communities.
The bill also includes about $2.5 billion for information technology improvements at various agencies. Examples include $500 million for the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) National Computer Center data center modernization, $490 million for the SSA's claims processing program, $340 million for the Homeland Security Department data center, law enforcement communications, and $290 million for the State Department's security and network assurance technologies.
ORIGINAL COSPONSOR OF AND VOTED FOR THE SBIR/STTR REAUTHORIZATION ACT.
The SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act modernizes and reauthorizes the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. Among the most notable legislative changes to the programs are increases in the set-asides for both SBIR and STTR. This allows more small firms to participate in Federal R&D activities. This is especially important for SBIR, where we raised the set-aside level from 2.5 percent to 3 percent. The bill also raises award sizes – but places substantial notification and reporting requirements on agencies seeking to exceed these limits. This ensures that jumbo awards are being reviewed and overseen.
Perhaps most importantly, the legislation restores the 2003 eligibility rules permitting small businesses with venture capital investment to qualify for SBIR awards. This once again gives entrepreneurs the final say on how their company should be financed, however Congress also included limitations on the venture capital company, including its size and its control by larger corporations, to ensure the intent of the legislation was maintained.
VOTED FOR THE INTERNET TAX FREEDOM ACT AMENDMENTS ACT
The Internet Tax Freedom Act Amendments Act extended the moratorium on certain internet related taxes through November 1, 2014. The bill also expanded the term "Internet access" to include related communication services (e.g., emails and instant messaging) and redefined "telecommunications" to include unregulated non-utility telecommunications (e.g., cable services). Additionally, it repealed the exception from the moratorium for taxing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
PARTICIPATED IN A SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE HEARING ON THE POTENTIAL NEGATIVE IMPACTS ON SMALL BUSINESSES OF ALLOWING THE INTERNET TAX MORATORIUM TO EXPIRE
SUMMARY OF FUTURE INITIATIVES
Joe will continue working to encourage progress and innovation in the telecommunications field by supporting initiatives to:
Maintain and expand access, especially in rural and other underserved areas, to high speed internet service that does not discriminate based on content;
Encourage small businesses innovation with further SBIR grants and establish institutionalized methods for connecting “angel” investors with fledgling businesses and technologies;
Facilitate further public/private partnerships and support regional growth organizations, which can address impediments holding back effective economic developments that occur across state lines;
Will continue supporting these investments, which will lead to a healthier economic environment and continued technological development.
Monitor progress of stimulus broadband grants and loans;
Encourage robust investment in network-centric innovation and procurement by the armed forces.
Will continue support for the network component of the Army Future Combat Systems, or other similar programs, which will revolutionize how brigade combat teams operate in the field and enhance unit cohesion;
Will track progress of his amendment, which was successfully enacted in the House version of the FY 2010 NDAA, to commission two Department of Defense studies to analyze alternative models and recommend changes from the present Service-based approach for acquisition and funding of inter-connected cyberspace systems.
When possible, procurement by the Joint forces should be favored because it is in the best position to address cyber security needs with a smoother acquisitions process.
