Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services Act of 2018

Floor Speech

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Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I would first like to start off by remembering Ray Baum, whom this legislation is named after, very appropriately, and I thank the chairman for sharing him with us. As was correctly stated by the whip, we appreciate the staff that does so much work for us. Leaders like Ray Baum are special. He will be missed, but we will carry on in his memory and in the quality of service that he supplied.

The RAY BAUM'S Act does something that hasn't been done in over 28 years: it reauthorized the Federal Communications Commission. It is amazing to think that we have a commission as important as that and it hasn't been authorized--or reauthorized, or reauthorized. It is time to do it and bring it up to this century, as well, and beyond.

This bipartisan bill is good, forward-thinking policy that modernizes the FCC to ensure it is more transparent, efficient, and able to tackle the issues of the 21st century. It maintains the credibility of spectrum auctions and the promise the FCC made to Michigan broadcasters.

It paves the way for new spectrum auctions that will allow for the United States to maintain its leadership in developing and deploying technologies such as 5G and, ultimately, win the race to 5G.

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Mr. WALBERG. Additionally, it requires the FCC to report to Congress on its efforts to promote broadband internet access for veterans, especially low-income and rural veterans.

I would love to have broadband to my home, as well.

This bill is critical for consumers and our Nation's telecommunications infrastructure, and I urge its passage today.

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