Austin News

In a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) voiced strong support for Arielle Roth, nominated to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at the Department of Commerce. Cruz commended Roth's dedication to public service and her passion for telecommunications law.

As NTIA Administrator, Roth is expected to oversee federal spectrum management and broadband funding. Cruz emphasized her commitment to American leadership in spectrum use, benefiting global telecommunications, internet speeds, and economic growth.

Cruz also highlighted Roth's commitment to protecting children from excessive screen time and her plans to improve the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which has yet to connect any Americans to high-speed internet under the previous administration.

Roth's comprehensive experience at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Congress, Cruz believes, equips her to ensure the NTIA's programs are effectively implemented. "Her telecommunications experience dates back to her time as a legal fellow at the Hudson Institute’s Center for Economics of the Internet," Cruz stated. Her subsequent roles at the FCC and in Congress are seen as advantageous assets for her NTIA leadership.

During the hearing, Cruz referred to Roth as an esteemed committee member who has significantly contributed to promoting affordable connectivity and safeguarding taxpayer resources. He stressed the necessity of American leadership in spectrum for global telecommunications security, national security, and economic success.

"I have received letters of support for Ms. Roth from major telecommunications groups," Cruz added, underlining the broad endorsement for her nomination.

The hearing signals the Senate Committee's evaluation of Roth's nomination, with Cruz expressing optimism about her prospective management of the NTIA.