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Extension of Fcc Auction Authority

Floor Speech

By: Bob Latta
By: Bob Latta
Date: Feb. 27, 2023
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1108) to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission to grant a license or construction permit through a system of competitive bidding.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 1108

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. EXTENSION OF FCC AUCTION AUTHORITY.

Section 309(j)(11) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)(11)) is amended by striking ``March 9, 2023'' and inserting ``May 19, 2023''.

Mr. Speaker, it is important today that we consider H.R. 1108. This bill would extend the Federal Communications Commission's general authority to auction spectrum and provide licenses and construction permits for the use of radio spectrum.

This piece of legislation is sponsored by the gentlewoman from Washington who is the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee and also by the ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, the gentleman from New Jersey.

Without congressional action, the FCC's authority to issue spectrum licenses expires on March 9. Auction authority is a key tool for making frequencies available for commercial uses that enable U.S. technological leadership.

This bill will also ensure that FCC has the authority it needs to continue issuing licenses for a spectrum band that will be used to provide better coverage and wireless speeds across the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I also urge support of H.R. 1108. In the report that just came out from the Congressional Budget Office this past week for the budget outlook for 2023 to 2033, it is important to note that, on page 13, it cites that the FCC conducted several auctions in 2021 and 2022, which boosted net receipts in 2022 to $104 billion.

Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely essential that this piece of legislation is passed, and I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 1108.

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