Communications statute framework, spectrum management and broadband availability will be some prime issues the House Communications Subcommittee follows this Congress, said the House Commerce Committee’s authorization and oversight plan released Thursday. “The Committee will pay particular attention to whether the FCC conducts cost-benefit and market analyses before imposing regulations” and “will pay particular attention to FCC and NTIA implementation of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which included provisions intended to make more spectrum available for mobile broadband services, as well as raise billions in spectrum auction proceeds,” it said. The plan named FirstNet and internet governance among its areas of interest and noted the committee’s overall interest in cybersecurity. Driverless cars and FTC oversight will be focuses. Lawmakers will “explore the FTC’s role relative to emerging sectors of the economy and its jurisdiction relative to new technologies,” it said. House Commerce will consider the plan 1 p.m. Tuesday in 2167 Rayburn at its organizational meeting.

Communications statute framework, spectrum management and broadband availability will be some prime issues the House Communications Subcommittee follows this Congress, said the House Commerce Committee’s authorization and oversight plan released Thursday. “The Committee will pay particular attention to whether the FCC conducts cost-benefit and market analyses before imposing regulations” and “will pay particular attention to FCC and NTIA implementation of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which included provisions intended to make more spectrum available for mobile broadband services, as well as raise billions in spectrum auction proceeds,” it said. The plan named FirstNet and internet governance among its areas of interest and noted the committee’s overall interest in cybersecurity. Driverless cars and FTC oversight will be focuses. Lawmakers will “explore the FTC’s role relative to emerging sectors of the economy and its jurisdiction relative to new technologies,” it said. House Commerce will consider the plan 1 p.m. Tuesday in 2167 Rayburn at its organizational meeting.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, plans to introduce a bill that would make all executive branch trade actions, including tariff raises, subject to congressional approval, as part of his call for Congress to reclaim constitutional powers to lead U.S. trade policy, he wrote in an opinion column for Forbes (here). The yet-to-be-introduced Global Trade Accountability Act would help ensure that Congress would be involved in any decision that would increase trade barriers, Lee said. One example of a statute giving the executive branch “far too much power” to raise tariffs is Trade Act of 1974 Section 122, which allows the president to impose temporary import “surcharges” of up to 15 percent on any goods to deal with “large and serious” U.S. balance-of-payment deficits, Lee said.

Commerce secretary nominee Wilbur Ross would be open to looking at how to integrate spectrum challenges into his Commerce Department, he said. He addressed spectrum repeatedly during his Wednesday Senate Commerce Committee confirmation hearing (see 1701180069). Senators continued their inquiries beyond the hearing room.

Commerce secretary nominee Wilbur Ross would be open to looking at how to integrate spectrum challenges into his Commerce Department, he said. He addressed spectrum repeatedly during his Wednesday Senate Commerce Committee confirmation hearing (see 1701180069). Senators continued their inquiries beyond the hearing room.

In the Jan. 18 issue of the CBP Customs Bulletin (Vol. 51, No. 3) (here), CBP published notices that propose to revoke or modify rulings and similar treatment on the application of Jones Act coastwise laws to certain merchandise and vessel equipment that are transported between coastwise points. The Jones Act limits activities by foreign-flagged vessels around the U.S. CBP also posted four related rulings (here) that aren't available on CBP's ruling database.

Tom Wheeler said Thursday, his last full day in office, he doesn't view his work as FCC chairman as particularly ideological. Wheeler started a series of speeches last week defending his legacy, starting with remarks at the Aspen Institute, which he will join shortly as a senior fellow (see 1701130064). Part of his argument in that speech was that Republicans will follow an “ideologically based course,” predicated on media reports. “If competition is ideological, I plead guilty,” Wheeler said in an exit interview.

Tom Wheeler said Thursday, his last full day in office, he doesn't view his work as FCC chairman as particularly ideological. Wheeler started a series of speeches last week defending his legacy, starting with remarks at the Aspen Institute, which he will join shortly as a senior fellow (see 1701130064). Part of his argument in that speech was that Republicans will follow an “ideologically based course,” predicated on media reports. “If competition is ideological, I plead guilty,” Wheeler said in an exit interview.

Congress may need to pass legislation to encourage federal agencies to relinquish their spectrum, commerce secretary nominee Wilbur Ross told the Senate Commerce Committee Wednesday during his confirmation hearing. It was a first direct public comment on the topic by any officials affiliated with the incoming Trump administration. Spectrum was a frequent topic during the hearing, which lasted nearly four hours.

Congress may need to pass legislation to encourage federal agencies to relinquish their spectrum, commerce secretary nominee Wilbur Ross told the Senate Commerce Committee Wednesday during his confirmation hearing. It was a first direct public comment on the topic by any officials affiliated with the incoming Trump administration. Spectrum was a frequent topic during the hearing, which lasted nearly four hours.