Rodgers Faults FCC for Lacking Detail on Space Bureau Proposal
House Commerce Committee ranking member Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., criticized FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel Friday for not providing “details or clarity on the structure or role” of the proposed new Space Bureau to handle all space-related issues (see 2211030032). House…
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Commerce “is responsible for directing FCC action, and the agency needs to be open and transparent with the committee members about its efforts to regulate satellite communications,” Rodgers said: “Modernizing the FCC's satellite licensing rules and authorities will continue to be a top priority for” panel Republicans “to help usher in a new era of American innovation and investment in this growing sector.” She and House Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, D-N.J., released the draft Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act in February, which would require the FCC to mandate limits on the amount of debris a licensed satellite plans to release, and issue rules on orbital parameters. The bill would set a one-year timeline for acting on a non-geostationary orbit system application and a 180-day deadline for a license renewal or modification application. It would require spectrum sharing and would sunset existing processing round interference protections by Dec. 31, 2026 (see 2202180044). The FCC didn't comment.