United States Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet facts for kids
The Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications Technology, Innovation, and the Internet is an important group of lawmakers within the larger Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Think of it like a smaller team inside a bigger team! This subcommittee focuses on all things related to how we communicate and use technology. It used to have a different name, the Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Innovation, but it was renamed at the start of the 111th Congress (which is a specific period when Congress is working). Its job of dealing with science topics was then moved to another group called the Subcommittee on Science and Space.
Who Are the Members? (115th Congress)
This table shows the people who were part of the subcommittee during the 115th Congress. In the Senate, there are two main groups: the Majority party (the one with more members) and the Minority party (the one with fewer members).
| Majority | Minority |
|---|---|
|
|
| Ex officio | |
|
|
What Does This Subcommittee Do?
The main job of this subcommittee is to work on laws and rules related to communications. This includes things like how we use the internet, cell phones, radio, and television. They want to make sure these technologies work well for everyone.
Overseeing Important Agencies
The subcommittee also has an important role called "oversight." This means they watch over and check on how certain government agencies are doing their jobs. These agencies include:
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC): This agency makes rules for radio, television, phones, and the internet. They help make sure you can call your friends or watch your favorite shows.
- The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB): This group helps fund public TV and radio stations, like PBS and NPR, which offer educational programs.
- The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA): This agency, part of the Department of Commerce, advises the President on communication and information policies. They help plan for the future of technology.
By overseeing these groups, the subcommittee helps make sure that communication technology in the United States is fair, safe, and always improving for people your age and everyone else!
