Wireless Infrastructure Association Congratulates Rep. Walden on Election to Chair of House Energy & Commerce Committee

Alexandria, VA Dec. 2, 2016 — The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) today issued the following statement regarding the election of Oregon Rep. Greg Walden to Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

“I congratulate Rep. Walden on assuming the leadership as Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He is uniquely qualified to lead in this key post,” said Jonathan Adelstein, President and CEO of WIA. “WIA appreciates his deep understanding of the pressing issues facing the wireless infrastructure industry. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, he succeeded in helping enact legislation that promoted the widespread deployment of the mobile networks that are so vital to consumers.

“We look forward to working with Rep. Walden and the entire committee to ensure Congress addresses the unique needs of the wireless infrastructure industry as well as the very real economic benefits mobile networks deliver to communities throughout the country. We will continue to work with Rep. Walden and members of the committee to promote the wireless infrastructure industry’s priorities, which are aimed at spurring jobs and keeping America competitive in the global marketplace.”

Matt Mandel, Head of Legislative Affairs for WIA, also congratulated Rep. Walden on his new leadership role.

“Rep. Walden has been a longtime stalwart in favor of the need for wireless infrastructure deployment,” said Mandel. “His leadership on these issues resulted in legislation designed to streamline the siting process for collocation on existing infrastructure. This legislation was crucial for the ongoing investment in the deployment of wireless infrastructure.

“As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Rep. Walden held a number of hearings examining the important role wireless infrastructure plays in broadband deployment and economic growth. In fact, at Rep. Walden’s invitation, WIA President and CEO Jonathan Adelstein testified before his subcommittee as an expert witness on how best to encourage broadband buildout and infrastructure investments. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Chairman Walden and his staff to move policy forward on behalf of the American people.”