Cruz, Thune Urge No 'Rush' to 'Bad' Spectrum Deal Before FCC Authority's Expiration
Senate Commerce Committee ranking member Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Communications Subcommittee ranking member John Thune, R-S.D., said Thursday that, before the March 9 expiration date of the FCC’s spectrum auction authority, they’re “committed to developing a spectrum proposal that achieves the greatest value possible for American taxpayers while protecting our national security interests.” Congress agreed in December to extend the FCC’s authority through March 9 after a spectrum legislative deal lawmakers hoped to include in the FY 2023 appropriations omnibus measure fell through at the last minute (see 2212300046). “Developing a spectrum proposal is complex, which is why lawmakers shouldn’t rush into a bad deal just to secure any deal,” Cruz and Thune said: “A successful outcome on spectrum will maximize use of this finite resource, which is critical to economic growth and international leadership.”