Lawmakers near agreement on Spectrum Auction Language in Tax Bill
Lawmakers are close to finalizing language for a spectrum provision in the GOP’s tax and spending bill, according to Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), who said the agreement would protect key spectrum bands through 2034. The House originally proposed opening 60,000 MHz of spectrum for commercial use, but this raised alarms among national security officials who warned of interference with military and intelligence frequencies.
Rounds, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, emphasized that the emerging deal would safeguard critical spectrum bands from commercial auctioning until 2034. He noted that while the final text of the provision has not been seen, the agreement represents significant progress over previous drafts. The senator also hinted that the House’s initial proposal might have been too aggressive in its approach to spectrum allocation, prompting concerns about potential interference with national security operations.
The Senate Commerce Committee chair, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), has expressed confidence that the provision will be finalized in time for the broader tax and spending bill. Cruz’s assurance followed Rounds’ earlier warning that he would withhold his support from legislation that fails to address spectrum concerns. This development underscores the growing importance of spectrum management in the current legislative agenda, with both parties recognizing the need for a balanced approach between commercial interests and national security needs.
The proposed provision is part of a larger effort to modernize the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure and support the growth of 5G and other advanced technologies. However, the agreement reflects the Senate’s commitment to protecting essential communications frequencies used by military and intelligence operations. As the negotiations continue, the final compromise is expected to shape the future of spectrum allocation in the United States for years to come.