http://democrats-energycommerce.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-opening-remarks-us-positioning-navigation-and-timing-technology

June 4, 2026 - 19:27

The top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee warned today that America's heavy dependence on GPS technology has created a dangerous vulnerability that must be addressed. Ranking Member Frank Pallone delivered opening remarks at a telecommunications subcommittee hearing focused on the nation's positioning, navigation, and timing technology, commonly known as PNT.

Pallone noted that while GPS has become an invisible utility powering everything from cell phone maps to financial networks and power grids, the system's signals are surprisingly weak and easily disrupted. He pointed to growing threats from jamming, spoofing, and solar weather that could knock out service for millions of people.

The New Jersey lawmaker stressed that the United States has no comprehensive backup plan. He argued that the federal government has moved too slowly to develop alternatives, leaving critical infrastructure exposed. Pallone called for a coordinated effort between private industry and government agencies to field resilient PNT systems that do not rely solely on satellites.

He also raised concerns about foreign adversaries developing their own satellite navigation networks, which could reduce U.S. leverage in a crisis. The hearing examined potential solutions, including enhanced terrestrial signals and atomic clock technology, as lawmakers push for legislation to harden the nation's timing and navigation backbone.