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FEDERALhearing transcript

Hearing on Department of Defense Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations

Original title: [H.A.S.C. No. 117-12] DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM OPERATIONS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE INVISIBLE BATTLESPACE

January 1, 2021

defensecybersecuritytechnologymilitaryelectromagnetic spectrum

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The Frame

What this does

This hearing informs future legislative and budgetary decisions regarding how the U.S. military manages and protects its communications and electronic warfare capabilities in contested environments.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Department of Defense

The agency's operational strategies and technological requirements for spectrum management are the subject of the subcommittee's oversight.

Subcommittee Members

Members are responsible for conducting oversight and drafting legislation related to defense technology and electronic warfare.

What changed

Last recorded activity January 1, 2021.

What's next

Next step not available in the current record.

Summary

The House Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems held a hearing to discuss the challenges and opportunities regarding the Department of Defense's use of the electromagnetic spectrum. The session featured testimony from defense experts and government officials regarding the 'invisible battlespace.'

Key Facts

  • The hearing took place on March 19, 2021, via Webex.
  • The hearing focused on 'Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations' within the Department of Defense.
  • The subcommittee established remote participation protocols for members, including video requirements and muting procedures.
  • Witnesses included representatives from the Hudson Institute, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Government Accountability Office.
  • The hearing included an opening statement by Chairman James R. Langevin.
  • The hearing included an opening statement by Ranking Member Elise M. Stefanik.
  • The hearing record includes prepared statements from Bryan Clark, William Conley, Joseph Kirschbaum, and James R. Langevin.
  • Post-hearing questions were submitted by Representative Seth Moulton.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'electromagnetic spectrum' in a military context?
It refers to the range of frequencies used for communications, radar, and electronic warfare, often described as an 'invisible battlespace' where military forces compete for control.
Who testified at this hearing?
The witnesses were Bryan Clark (Hudson Institute), William Conley (former Director for Electronic Warfare), and Joseph Kirschbaum (GAO).

Why It Matters

This hearing informs future legislative and budgetary decisions regarding how the U.S. military manages and protects its communications and electronic warfare capabilities in contested environments.

News Coverage

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Sponsors

Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift90% confidence

Focus on Invisible Battlespace

The hearing highlights a strategic shift toward prioritizing electromagnetic spectrum dominance as a critical component of modern warfare.

Department of Defense

Connected Entities

personBryan Clark“Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute”Map →
personElise M. Stefanik“Ranking Member of the Subcommittee”Map →
personJoseph Kirschbaum“Director, Defense Capabilities and Management Team, GAO”Map →
personWilliam Conley“Former Director for Electronic Warfare, Office of the Secretary of Defense”Map →
organizationHouse Committee on Armed Services“Parent committee of the subcommittee”Map →
personJames R. Langevin“Chairman of the Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information ”Map →

Sources

Open source document

www.govinfo.gov

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance40
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy10
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment5
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz10
    Current news / social attention level

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