Chairman Walden Statement on Spectrum Negotiations

House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) remains committed to advancing legislation to make more efficient and effective use of spectrum, expressing his intent to advance a proposal by the end of this year. Walden's comments come after the latest round of negotiations with leading Democrats on the panel, and with momentum building to produce legislation that will use incentive auctions to significantly expand broadband access and achieve major communications policy goals, including buildout of an interoperable public safety network.

"For five months, we have been negotiating in earnest to find common ground on spectrum reform. I appreciate the progress we are making, and we will continue working in good faith to develop legislation that creates jobs, establishes a public safety network, and reduces the deficit. Members on both sides of the aisle are committed to getting the policy right, which is why we continue to avoid any arbitrary deadlines for action. However, I have set a personal goal to advance legislation by the end of this year, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to achieve that goal with the strongest, most effective bill we can produce."