February 24, 2023

House Leaders May Consider FCC Spectrum Authority Expansion

Next week, the House may consider H.R. 1108, which would extend FCC spectrum auction authority through May 19. Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) introduced the bill on Tuesday, February 21, alongside Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ). You can read more about H.R. 1108 here.

Rounds “Hopeful”  that Congress will Reauthorize FCC Spectrum Authority

Last week, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told reporters that he was “hopeful” that Congress will pass a “clean” reauthorization of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) spectrum authority to give lawmakers more time to sort out negotiations around Pentagon-controlled airwaves. Rounds also said he would prefer to see such extension of FCC authority, which is currently scheduled to expire March 9, “until at least October 1.”

Sohn Makes Third Appearance Before Senate Commerce Committee

On Tuesday, February 14, the Senate Commerce Committee held a nomination hearing for Gigi Sohn to be a Commissioner of the FCC. Overall, Sohn’s nomination was supported by both sides of the aisle for her experience, views, and ability to work well with both Republicans and Democrats. Sohn, however, faced strong opposition from Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH). While her nomination did not make it to the floor last Congress, Democrats remain optimistic they have the necessary votes to advance her confirmation through the Senate this year.

Lawmakers Reintroduce Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act

On Thursday, February 9, Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) alongside Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) reintroduced the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act, which would amend the Internal Revenue Code to ensure that funding for broadband deployment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the American Rescue Plan will not be considered taxable income. NATE endorses the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act and hopes the new Congress will complete the unfinished work of the previous Congress to pass this key legislation. You can read more about the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act here.