Rep Eshoo Frustrated With Latest Twist In Spectrum Debate

Rep Anna Eshoo (D-CA), the ranking member on the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee, voiced frustration with reports that House GOP leaders are considering including spectrum legislation in a broader bill that might include an extension of a payroll tax holiday and other measures.

She said it's important for the committee to continue its work on the issue even if it ends up getting attached to another bill. The subcommittee approved spectrum legislation crafted by the panel's chairman, Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), on a largely party-line vote last week. Rep Eshoo and other Democrats opposed the bill because of concerns about provisions related to unlicensed spectrum and the governance structure for a national broadband network for public safety. "It is my understanding that the Republican leadership is considering placing this in an omnibus," Rep Eshoo said. "But this is without the benefit of a full committee markup. These are complex issues. Congress does not do spectrum legislation but for maybe once a decade, if that," she added. "I'd like to see the fullness of the effort optimized."