Sen Kennedy Angles for the Trump Card

Sen. John Neely Kennedy has yet to go directly to President Donald Trump with his outrage over the Federal Communications Commission’s planned approach for auctioning the 5G-friendly C-band airwaves — but “I will,” he said. “There’s no big rush,” Sen Kennedy said. “The FCC is going to do what the FCC is going to do [Feb 28]. But what counts is what we do. We can pass a bill the day of their auction, and what the United States Congress says will control.” The FCC is voting on Chairman Ajit Pai’s outline for an auction set to kick off in December, and Sen Kennedy objects to the $9.7 billion in compensation it would grant the satellite incumbents who hold the spectrum now. Vice President Mike Pence has said President Trump endorses Pai’s approach, but Sen Kennedy isn’t convinced.