The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved H.R. 2037, the bipartisan OPENRAN Outreach Act sponsored by Republican Rich Hudson and Democrat Troy Carter. The measure directs the Commerce Department to help small and rural carriers deploy open-radio-access-network technology, with the aim of bolstering domestic 5G deployment and curbing reliance on Chinese vendors. The vote came during a day-long floor session focused on technology and cybersecurity. Lawmakers also debated eight related bills advanced by the Energy and Commerce Committee, including the NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act, the ITS Codification Act, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act, the Communications Security Act and the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act. Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone said the package is intended to harden mobile networks against foreign threats and maintain U.S. leadership in global wireless standards. In separate action, the chamber approved legislation officially designating the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. That bill, which honors a 12-year-old Houston resident, now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature.