Bill would make telecommunications research lab a permanent federal agency
In markupS. 4950Latest action
Sponsor: Tammy Duckworth · Senator · IL
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: ITS Codification Act
119th Congress
Topics: AI & technology
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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S 4950 would permanently establish ITS in law and direct it to research better emergency tracking tech for trapped people.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill officially establishes the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), currently operating informally under NTIA, as a permanent part of federal law. It also directs ITS to create a new research program on emergency communication and tracking technology for locating people trapped in collapsed buildings, high-rises, or mines, with a public report due to Congress within 18 months of enactment.
Who does it affect?
The bill mainly affects government agencies, telecommunications researchers, and companies that build emergency locating or communication equipment, such as devices used by firefighters, mine rescue teams, and disaster responders.
Why does it matter?
Making ITS's role permanent and changes its legal standing, giving it more stability and clearer duties than its current informal status. The tracking-technology research could shape future standards for rescue and locating devices, indirectly affecting how emergencies like building collapses or mine accidents are handled.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 13, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Sep 16, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.