--ntia as it makes big decisions. with regard to spectrum use, coordinates with the fcc on pressing decisions that might affect federal agencies. conducting development, testing. also entering with other federal agencies to conduct tests for them, as well as commercial providers. there is a variety of ways that are important in the spectrum management ecosystem. and as we look to the future of wireless technologies, we know effective spectrum management is critical to our success. how can we better leverage ips to promote innovation and compete with china in deploying wireless technology? >> i'm so glad you raised this question. its is a very important component of management. largely funded through these agreements. so they were able to put it past the -- being proposed. drawing attention to the resources, and being able to bolster the its functionality all while supporting our efforts domestically and internationally. >> thank you. i appreciate that. earlier this year, the senate passed the safe connections act to e

so ntia's position is important -- the white house needs to strongly support ntia to reinforce its roleat the federal spectrum manager. -- if congress sees fit to elevate the assistant secretary to an undersecretary at the department of commerce, it would greatly help his or her position with negotiations with higher level agencies. >> how do you think it would help? why would help to be elevated? >> it is amazing how protocols can help. if you have an assistant secretary, you will learn that the deputy secretary -- there are times when perhaps the staff may be unwilling to allow that kind of negotiation to happen. that has happened in the past. ntia has sat down with a deputy secretary of defense in order to talk about repurposing a spectrum and management of spectrum generally. it is just a protocol issue. but it definitely helps. >> it's just like having an ambassador status helps. -- this helps in domestic negotiation processes. >> okay. thank you and i yield back, madam chair. >> thank you very much. now, the chair recognizes mr. cardenas for five minutes to ask questions. >> thank

funding, given ntia's past history on expanding rural broadband services. the last time congress provided ntia with broadband funding, a fraction of the funding now responsible for, the agency strug rld with implementation -- struggled with implementation and ended up overbuilding existing networks, resulting in billions of dollars spent with little to show. i have to say, mr. president, i've not seen a lot to convince me ntia will do a better job this time around. last month, ntia released its notice of funding opportunity for the broadband equity access and deployment, or bead program. the ideas contains a number of troubling components. i am concerned ntia is planning to base funding allocations on maps that don't accurately reflect which areas of the country are unserved. this creates a substantial risk in misallocating the funding, and once again overbuild be existing networks at the taxpayers' expense. ntia's notice also makes clear when it comes to expanding networks they are planning to favor certain applicants. specifically government-run networks