Issues raised by Texas Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn and backed by performing rights organization SESAC could jeopardize Senate passage of the Music Modernization Act, said observers Tuesday. Cruz and Cornyn during markup (see 1806280062) voiced concern about the bill’s mechanical licensing collective (MLC), which would establish a royalty payment database overseen by the Copyright Office, precluding private entities from competing. Two experts said SESAC is concerned the new framework could put its Harry Fox Agency, which collects and distributes money to music rights holders, out of business. BMI said in a statement Tuesday it’s disappointed “last minute asks” could threaten the legislation: “We hope that the parties currently in disagreement can work together to resolve their issues, allowing this important piece of legislation to move forward.” SESAC is “committed to working towards a version of the Music Modernization Act that retains all of the benefits for writers, publishers and [demand-side platforms] and which will move music licensing into the 21st Century while supporting a competitive market in music rights administration,” a spokesperson said.

Opponents of the Supreme Court’s Wayfair decision (see 1807200042 and 1807020035) sought to put a moratorium on states collecting online sales taxes from vendors without physical presence. Proponents told lawmakers to leave states alone, as the high court’s reversal is allowing responsible tax collection.

Opponents of the Supreme Court’s Wayfair decision (see 1807200042 and 1807020035) sought to put a moratorium on states collecting online sales taxes from vendors without physical presence. Proponents told lawmakers to leave states alone, as the high court’s reversal is allowing responsible tax collection.

New entrants backed and telco, cable and electric utility incumbents voiced mixed views about an FCC draft order eying a one-touch, make-ready (OTMR) pole-attachment process and other changes to speed broadband deployment. Google Fiber, Incompas and the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) were supportive; the American Cable Association, AT&T, CenturyLink, Comcast, NCTA, FirstEnergy and American Electric Power Service (AEPS) and Georgia Energy voiced different levels of concern and offered proposed modifications. The stakeholder lobbying was reported in filings posted Tuesday and recently on the draft eyed for a vote at commissioners' Aug. 2 meeting (see 1807120053).

The House Communications Subcommittee's Wednesday FCC oversight hearing is expected to delve into multiple issues, including a likely partial focus by Democrats on the commission's recent adoption of the hearing designation order seen endangering Sinclair's proposed purchase of Tribune (see 1807190060), lawmakers and industry officials told us. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and the other three commissioners will testify, as expected (see 1807180043). It's looking less certain that Senate leaders will include confirmation votes on FCC nominee Geoffrey Starks and Commissioner Brendan Carr's second term in a package of nominees before the abbreviated August recess.

The House Communications Subcommittee's Wednesday FCC oversight hearing is expected to delve into multiple issues, including a likely partial focus by Democrats on the commission's recent adoption of the hearing designation order seen endangering Sinclair's proposed purchase of Tribune (see 1807190060), lawmakers and industry officials told us. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and the other three commissioners will testify, as expected (see 1807180043). It's looking less certain that Senate leaders will include confirmation votes on FCC nominee Geoffrey Starks and Commissioner Brendan Carr's second term in a package of nominees before the abbreviated August recess.

New entrants backed and telco, cable and electric utility incumbents voiced mixed views about an FCC draft order eying a one-touch, make-ready (OTMR) pole-attachment process and other changes to speed broadband deployment. Google Fiber, Incompas and the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) were supportive; the American Cable Association, AT&T, CenturyLink, Comcast, NCTA, FirstEnergy and American Electric Power Service (AEPS) and Georgia Energy voiced different levels of concern and offered proposed modifications. The stakeholder lobbying was reported in filings posted Tuesday and recently on the draft eyed for a vote at commissioners' Aug. 2 meeting (see 1807120053).

Opponents of the Supreme Court’s Wayfair decision (see 1807200042 and 1807020035) sought to put a moratorium on states collecting online sales taxes from vendors without physical presence. Proponents told lawmakers to leave states alone, as the high court’s reversal is allowing responsible tax collection.

Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, filed their Eliminate From Regulators Opportunities to Nationalize The Internet in Every Respect (E-Frontier) Act Monday in a bid to formally bar President Donald Trump's administration from proposing the U.S. build a national 5G network without authorization from Congress. The bill was filed months after a leaked National Security Council draft memo that proposed 5G nationalization because of concerns China could otherwise build a network. The memo drew derision (see 1801290034 and 1801300039). Cortez Masto and Cruz have since raised concerns about 5G nationalization, including during a June NTIA oversight hearing (see 1802120011 and 1806130095). “Partnering with the private sector is the best option we have for building the necessary infrastructure required to securely deploy and operate a nationalized 5G network,” Cortez Masto said. “We believe that the private sector is best positioned to build, deploy, and secure 5G networks,” Cruz said. “Our legislation would prevent massive government overreach in our private sector and assert the proper role of Congress in the decision making process.”

Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, filed their Eliminate From Regulators Opportunities to Nationalize The Internet in Every Respect (E-Frontier) Act Monday in a bid to formally bar President Donald Trump's administration from proposing the U.S. build a national 5G network without authorization from Congress. The bill was filed months after a leaked National Security Council draft memo that proposed 5G nationalization because of concerns China could otherwise build a network. The memo drew derision (see 1801290034 and 1801300039). Cortez Masto and Cruz have since raised concerns about 5G nationalization, including during a June NTIA oversight hearing (see 1802120011 and 1806130095). “Partnering with the private sector is the best option we have for building the necessary infrastructure required to securely deploy and operate a nationalized 5G network,” Cortez Masto said. “We believe that the private sector is best positioned to build, deploy, and secure 5G networks,” Cruz said. “Our legislation would prevent massive government overreach in our private sector and assert the proper role of Congress in the decision making process.”