Kennedy to 'Fight' to Retain Spectrum Language in Senate FCC-FTC Funding Bill Report
Senate Appropriations Financial Services Subcommittee Chairman John Kennedy, R-La., isn't backing down from his push to enact the FY 2020 funding bill for the FCC and FTC with report language on spectrum policy matters, despite pushback from Senate Commerce Committee…
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leaders (see 1909230065). The funding bill report, which the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced last week, would pressure the FCC to hold a public auction of spectrum on the 3.7-4.2 GHz C band. It also addresses the debate over opening up the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi and other unlicensed use (see 1909190079). Senate Commerce Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Communications Subcommittee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., asked Senate Appropriations to remove the report language because it impinges on Commerce's jurisdiction. Kennedy told reporters he talked with Wicker about the concerns but hasn't actually read the letter. “I stand by” including the C-band and 6 GHz language in the bill report “and I intend to fight to keep it in,” Kennedy said. “Last time I checked, the FCC was under the jurisdiction of” Senate Appropriations Financial Services. “This is taxpayer money we're spending” and “if the FCC decides not to do” a public auction of the C-band spectrum, “they have a moral and a legal obligation to explain precisely to the American people, in plain English, why they want to do a private deal.” He previously criticized the C-Band Alliance's proposal for a private auction (see 1907190051).