Episode

Space Internet

Audio: The Rapid Rise of Space-Based Internet: Broadband from Above

This is audio from the March briefing on “The Rapid Rise of Space-Based Internet: Broadband from Above”

SPEAKERS

  • Jay Schwarz
    Chief, Space Bureau
    Federal Communications Commission
  • Scott Wallsten
    President and Senior Fellow
    Technology Policy Institute
  • Karina Perez
    Director, Space & Spectrum Policy Center
    CCIA

For years, the idea that high-speed broadband could beam directly to your handheld phone from space sounded like science fiction.

Today, it’s happening.

Low-Earth orbit constellations are reshaping broadband competition. Phones are beginning to connect directly to satellites. And space-based networks are becoming part of America’s communications backbone.

We are pleased to welcome Jay Schwarz, Chief of the FCC’s Space Bureau, for opening remarks on how the FCC is approaching satellite broadband, spectrum coordination, and how the space-based connectivity and the digital divide.

This conversation will help unpack what’s real, what’s speculative, and what Congress should be paying attention to now.

Date: Wednesday, March 11
Time: 12:00–1:00 PM ET

 

Panel Information

Audio: Tech Policy in 2026: A 2nd Session Preview

This is audio from the January briefing on “Tech Policy in 2026: A 2nd Session Preview”

SPEAKERS

  • Luke Hogg
    Director of Technology Policy
    Foundation for American Innovation
  • Amy Bos
    Vice President of Government Affairs
    NetChoice
  • Asad Ramzanali
    Director of AI and Technology Policy
    Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator
  • Nathan Leamer
    Executive Director
    Build American AI

As the 119th Congress enters its second session, technology policy is approaching a moment of decision.

Artificial intelligence. Kids’ online safety and content modewration. Broadband and spectrum connectivity. Platform governance. Digital replicas and AI companions. Congress has no shortage of ideas … but which ones are most likely to move?

You are invited to a Rayburn lunch discussion on “Tech Policy in 2026: A 2nd Session Preview“ on Wednesday, January 28th at 12:00 PM (RSVP).

This discussion will move beyond headlines and proposals to focus on what Congress is most likely to legislate in the coming year—what may advance, what could stall, and where real bipartisan traction may emerge.

Panelists from diverse policy perspectives will examine:

  • Which tech issues are most likely to see legislative action in the second session

  • How artificial intelligence, kids’ safety, and online harms are reshaping congressional priorities

  • The outlook for broadband, satellite, and next-generation connectivity policy

  • Whether emerging issues like AI companions, digital replicas, and content moderation are ready for Congress—or not yet

  • How lawmakers may balance innovation, competition, and regulation in a rapidly evolving tech landscape

If you’re trying to understand where congressional attention is headed—and where it’s not—this briefing is designed to help you read the road ahead.

Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Rayburn House Office Building (Room 2168) or Virtual

AI Energy Panel

Audio: The Future of AI: Securing Energy for Innovation

This is audio from the December event on “The Future of AI: Securing Energy for Innovation”

The Future of AI: Securing Energy for Innovation

SPEAKERS

  • Mardsen Hanna
    Head of Energy and Sustainability Policy, Google
  • Levi Patterson
    Director of Energy, Science, and AI Infrastructure Policy, NVIDIA
  • Rebecca Kern
    Senior Correspondent, The Capitol Forum
  • David Terry
    President, National Association of, State Energy Officials (NASEO)
  • Leslie Abrahams
    Deputy Director and Senior Fellow, Energy Security and Climate Change Program, Center for Strategic & International Studies

Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Rayburn House Office Building (Room 2168) or Virtual

 

As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, its energy consumption is becoming a critical policy concern, requiring a balance between fostering AI-driven innovation and managing rising demands for computing power. How can policymakers ensure AI development aligns with sustainability goals while maintaining America’s competitive edge? Are breakthroughs in energy efficiency and network design on the horizon? Join us for an in-depth discussion on building the physical foundation for AI’s future—from devices to data centers.

 

Age Regulation Caucus - 2

Audio: Verifying Kids’ Age, SCOTUS, and AI Companions

This is audio from the July event on “Verifying Kids’ Age, SCOTUS, and AI Companions”

Verifying Kids’ Age, SCOTUS, and AI Companions

SPEAKERS

  • Kate Ruane
    Director, Free Expression Project
    Center for Democracy & Technology
  • Chris Marchese
    Founder & Co-Director
    NetChoice Litigation Center
  • Luke Hogg
    Director of Technology Policy
    Foundation for American Innovation

Join legal experts, technologists, and policymakers for a timely panel on the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton and what it means for age assurance laws, online expression, and the future of child protection online. As states experiment with age verification laws and Congress debates national standards, this panel explores the complex intersection of free speech rights, regulatory authority, and emerging technology. We’ll also discuss proposals to age-gate other spaces like social media sites and AI chatbot companions, some of which may be inappropriate for children. What limits should be placed on these tools? And who gets to decide? Does age-gating work? Join us.

Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Rayburn House Office Building (Room 2168) or Virtual

FCC Video

Audio: Outside of the Box: Rethinking The FCC’s Video Regulations In The Age Of Streaming

This is audio from the June event on “Outside of the Box: Rethinking The FCC’s Video Regulations In The Age Of Streaming”

Outside of the Box: Rethinking The FCC’s Video Regulations In The Age Of Streaming

SPEAKERS

  • Michael P. O’Reilly, Strategic Advisor & Advocate, MPORielly, Former Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission (bio)
  • Cheryl Leanza, Of CounselOf Counsel, Best Best & Krieger LLP (bio)
  • Kristian Stout, Director of Innovation Policy at International Center for Law & Economics (bio)
  • Tim Lordan, Executive Director, Congressional Internet Caucus Academy (bio)

This panel explores the challenges arising from the decline of legacy cable TV and the rise of streaming services. Consumer preferences have shifted the media marketplace over the last decade — from live linear television broadcast to streaming and on-demand viewing. Fifteen years ago, 85-90% of American households subscribed to cable TV, but today that number has dropped to around 50% as streaming platforms dominate the market. There are well over 200 streaming services available to consumers and an overwhelming 99 percent of U.S. households now subscribe to at least one or more streaming services.  However, regulations governing this dynamic marketplace were developed in the 1980s and 1990s To what extent do these rules create an unlevel playing field.  Should these regulations be eliminated or updated to reflect the current landscape, and if so, how? The conversation will also focus on how companies are being forced to innovate and compete to retain audiences, and discussants will offer predictions for the future state of the tv and video marketplace. Join us for a discussion of the future of cable, streaming, and media regulations.

Date: Monday, June 16, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Rayburn House Office Building (Room 2168) or Virtual

rsvp

Audio: The Future of Online Expression In The Trump Era: Freedom vs Regulation

This is audio from the April event on “The Future of Online Expression In The Trump Era: Freedom vs Regulation”

The Future of Online Expression In The Trump Era: Freedom vs Regulation

SPEAKERS

– Chris Marchese, Litigation Center Director, NetChoice
– Jenna Leventoff, Senior Policy Counsel, ACLU
– Daniel Cochrane, The Heritage Foundation
– Luke Hogg, Director of Technology Policy, Foundation for American Innovation
– Ashkhen Kazaryan, Senior Legal Fellow, The Future of Free Speech at Vanderbilt University (moderator)

The landscape of online expression is rapidly evolving, raising important questions about the balance between free speech and the need for a safe and accessible internet for all. While the First Amendment prohibits government from regulating speech, there are concerns about private platforms who restrict user posts that fall outside their community standards. To what degree, if any, can the government regulate content moderation on private platforms? Experts will discuss what it means to address issues such as misinformation, hate speech, and harassment online, as well as concerns regarding censorship.

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Rayburn House Office Building (Room 2168) or Virtual
Video: Via YouTube 

kids safety video

Audio: The Future of Online Safety for Kids: Legislative Changes on the Horizon

This is audio from the March event on “The Future of Online Safety for Kids: Legislative Changes on the Horizon”

The Future of Online Safety for Kids: Legislative Changes on the Horizon

SPEAKERS

  • Maureen Flatley, Stop Child Predators
  • Common Sense Media
  • Ash Johnson, Senior Policy Manager, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
  • Andrew Zack, Policy Manager, Family Online Safety Institute
  • Miranda Nazzaro, Technology Reporter, The Hill (moderator)

Despite multiple attempts over the last several sessions, Congress has been unable to enact legislation aimed at protecting children online. What does the future look like for KOSA, COPPA 2.0, and KOSMA? What other ideas are being looked to to protect kids online? Experts will examine current legislative proposals, their potential to reshape privacy, platform accountability, and digital safety, and the future trajectory of online protections for kids.

Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Rayburn House Office Building (Room 2168) or Virtual

2

Audio: Future of Tech Policy in the 119th Congress

This is audio from the January event on “Future of Tech Policy in the 119th Congress”

Tech Policy on the Horizon: What’s Next in the 119th Congress?

SPEAKERS

  • Sara Collins, Director, Government Affairs, Public Knowledge
  • Amy Bos, Director of State and Federal Affairs, NetChoice
  • Evan Swarztrauber, Senior Fellow, Foundation for American Innovation
  • Kellee Wicker, Director, Tech Policy Center, The Wilson Center (moderator)

As the 119th Congress convenes, the landscape of technology policy is at a crossroads. Join a panel of Internet policy experts from different perspectives as they unpack the critical issues that will shape the Congressional agenda in the 119th. How will lawmakers address the growing influence of artificial intelligence, tackle cybersecurity threats, or counter online threats from foreign adversaries? Will Congress address online expression and content moderation on big tech platforms? Will emerging policies strike the right balance between innovation and regulation? From debates on data privacy and copyright to the implications of AI-driven decision-making and global tech competition, our panelists will explore the challenges and opportunities ahead. They’ll also provide insights into the legislative priorities and regulatory strategies that could define the next chapter of U.S. tech policy. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on what lies on the horizon for the intersection of technology and governance.

Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Rayburn House Office Building (Room 2237) or Virtual

AI Election Group Social Card No Live

Audio: Elections in the Age of AI: Analyzing 2024 and Shaping Future Campaigns

This is audio from the May event on “Elections in the Age of AI: Analyzing 2024 and Shaping Future Campaigns”

Speakers

– Kara Frederick, Director, Tech Policy Center, The Heritage Foundation
– Jennifer Huddleston, Senior Fellow in Technology Policy, Cato Institute
– Tim Harper, Senior Policy Analyst and Project Lead, Elections and Democracy, Center for Democracy & Technology
– Oma Seddiq, Technology Policy Reporter, Bloomberg Government (moderator)

Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET
Location:  Rayburn House Office Building

2024 was the first election since the emergence of powerful artificial intelligence models, and the dust is settling. Join a panel of election tech experts as they sift through this election cycle and explain the role AI played — or didn’t play — in candidates’ fates. Did AI influence the election? Did it sway voters, thwart interference, or amplify candidates’ voices, and what does the future of AI election tech hold for the future of democracy? From targeted ads and deepfake controversies to data-driven predictions and campaign automation, our panelists will dissect the benefits and pitfalls of AI’s influence in this election cycle. They’ll also offer insights into what we can expect in future elections, considering the potential for regulatory action and new policies that could redefine how AI interacts with democracy. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the lessons of 2024 and the future of AI in American elections.

AI and IP

Audio: Intellectual Property and AI: The Law & Policy Of Human Content

This is audio from the May event on “Intellectual Property and AI: The Law & Policy Of Human Content”

Speakers

– Brandon Butler, Executive Director, Re:Create Coalition
– Josh Rogin, Senior Vice President, Motion Picture Association
– Nick Garcia, Senior Policy Counsel, Public Knowledge
– Tim Lordan, Executive Director, Congressional Internet Caucus Academy

Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET
Location:
– Rayburn House Office Building

The advent of artificial intelligence large language models (LLM) has raised a lot of legal and policy questions about the current state intellectual property laws and policies. Congress has started to look at some of these questions while the courts weigh numerous lawsuits. Some of the lawsuits deal with copyright issues and the limits of fair use. Others go to the heart of state-based right-to-publicity and name image and likeness (NIL) laws. Further, as LLMs voraciously ingest human-generated data sets (e.g. Reddit, Wikipedia), experts are asking questions about the value of content that humans contribute to the Internet. Our experts will provide an overview of the state-of-play of AI and IP laws and what questions Congress will need to grapple with at the dawn of artificial intelligence.

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