Guthrie Prevails in House Commerce Gavel Bid, Cites Beating China Among Priorities
House Health Subcommittee Chairman Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., cited work to “beat China” and “protect our children online” Monday night as among his Commerce Committee priorities for the next Congress after the House Republican Steering Committee said earlier in the afternoon…
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Communications Daily is required reading for senior executives at top telecom corporations, law firms, lobbying organizations, associations and government agencies (including the FCC). Join them today!
it selected him as the panel's next chairman (see 2412090072). Guthrie prevailed in the Commerce gavel race over current Communications Subcommittee Chairman Bob Latta, R-Ohio, who is term-limited out of that role at the end of this Congress. The full House GOP conference still must sign off on Guthrie’s selection, but this is typically a formality. Guthrie said Monday night he is “honored that my colleagues have selected me to serve as” the next Commerce chairman. He plans to “work alongside” President-elect Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana and other GOP leaders to “deliver on our America First agenda.” A Congressional Spectrum Caucus co-chair and a past House Communications member, Guthrie said earlier this year an airwaves legislative package would be a top priority if he became Commerce chairman, and it didn't already pass this year (see 2404110059). Guthrie also backs a Universal Service Fund revamp (see 2411270060). Retiring House Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., praised Guthrie's “leadership, determination, and policy acumen.” She is “confident that he will rise to this historic moment of unified Republican control of government to deliver on issues and policies at the forefront of powering our economy,” including on tech issues. Latta also applauded Guthrie, as did several communications industry groups. USTelecom CEO Jonathan Spalter said Guthrie’s “leadership and dedication to expanding broadband access have been instrumental in connecting communities across the nation.” As Commerce chairman, Guthrie “will bring focus and common sense leadership as we work together to advance our shared goal of universal connectivity,” Spalter said. NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield said Guthrie “understands firsthand the needs of rural communities and the benefits of connectivity for commerce, education and healthcare in these areas.” In a statement, Competitive Carriers Association CEO Tim Donovan praised Guthrie for being “a longtime leader on spectrum, security and rural connectivity issues.”