CALM Act Set for Passage Next Week, Broadband Oversight Funding Less Certain
The House plans to vote next week on the CALM Act, which would require lowering the volume of TV commercials to that of regular programming. The House also plans to consider another continuing resolution to maintain funding for federal agencies until regular appropriations are approved, amid pleas from state regulators to provide additional funding to federal agencies charged with overseeing the broadband stimulus program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
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The House could have a suspension vote on the Senate version of the CALM Act (S-2847) as early as Tuesday, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Wednesday. A vote under suspension of the regular rules prevents amendments and requires a two-thirds majority for passage. It’s been nearly a year since the House approved the original bill (HR-1084) by Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif. Eshoo said earlier this month that the bill has been held up because of one Republican’s concerns (CD Nov 19 p2). If passed, the bill will move to the president’s desk for a final sign off.
Meanwhile, state regulators urged additional funding for NTIA oversight of the federal broadband stimulus programs. In a letter Wednesday to bipartisan leaders of the House and Senate, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners relayed its 2010 resolution supporting such funding (CD Nov 16 p5). “It is imperative that NTIA and RUS provide sufficient ongoing oversight of the BTOP and BIP grant and loan awards to ensure that the projects and programs are completed and implemented on time, on budget, and deliver the promised economic and social benefits,” NARUC President Tony Clark and Chairman Ray Baum wrote.
In his fiscal year 2011 budget, President Barack Obama sought $23.7 million for NTIA to conduct oversight of the Broadband Telecommunications Opportunities Program. But Congress never passed a budget, and NTIA is operating under a continuing resolution that expires Dec. 3, the same day the House plans to finish its session. Hoyer said Wednesday that the House in its last week would consider “further action on making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011.”
"NARUC urges Congress to ensure NTIA and RUS have adequate funds to continue oversight of the BTOP and BIP grant and loan awards,” before the continuing resolution expires, NARUC said. That should happen “either through a supplement to any successor CRs or by enactment of the FY 2011 budget."
"NTIA is working closely with Congress and the White House to secure this necessary funding before the end of the year,” and is “assuring grantees that it will do everything possible to avoid disruptions and interruptions” to the broadband program, an agency official said in response to our questions. “NTIA has imposed austerity measures affecting all agency operations until funding is secured.”