Conference Report on H.R. 3630, Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012

Floor Speech

Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of a provision in H.R. 3630 that will help ensure a competitive, creative, and consumer-friendly wireless marketplace. As more and more Americans use mobile devices to surf the web and communicate with others, it is imperative that they have a choice of providers that have sufficient spectrum to meet these growing demands. Because H.R. 3630 gives the FCC authority to hold voluntary incentive auctions of broadcast spectrum, it is important to ensure that there is no question about the Commission's authority to adopt and enforce rules of general applicability concerning spectrum aggregation that promote competition. Fortunately, the H.R. 3630 conferees included a provision that specifically confirms that authority. As an exception to a provision in the bill that prohibits the FCC from preventing persons from participating in auctions, this savings clause gives the FCC the flexibility to adopt spectrum rules in the manner that most effectively promotes competition--in connection with a particular auction or otherwise. I commend the conferees for including this provision.

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