On The Hill

Community Broadband Act of 2007 - Senate Commerce Releases Report

On April 22, 2008, the Senate Commerce Committee released its Committee Report on the Community Broadband Act of 2007 (S. 1853).  The report concluded that the legislation would expand the availability and affordability of broadband service by preempting laws in 15 states that ban or have the effect of banning the provision of broadband services by public entities.  However, the bill requires public entities to publish notice of their intent to offer such services and to allow private bids for such services.  The bill, introduced by Senators Lautenberg, Inouye, Kerry, McCain, McCaskill, Smith, Snowe, and Stevens was approved by voice vote on October 30, 2007.  It now awaits action by the full Senate.

The House Energy Committee Investigation of the FCC Continues

In a letter sent March 12 to Chairman Martin, Congressmen Dingell, Barton, Stupak and Shimkus requested that extensive records (including emails, handwritten notes, meeting schedules, official travel records, and lists of new hires and reassignments) be provided to the Committee no later than March 26. The investigation is in response to allegations from current and former employees and others concerning the ability of the Commission to perform its statutory duties and to guard against waste, fraud, and abuse.

Dingell-letter-re-FCC-Investigation.pdf

Wireless Consumer Protection and Community Empowerment Act of 2008 - Draft from Congressman Markey

The House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing on February 27^th to discuss the “Wireless Consumer Protection and Community Broadband Empowerment Act of 2008” (H.R. ____).  The legislation was drafted by Rep. Markey and seeks to establish a national policy for wireless service consumer protection and provide for community broadband networks.  As Summary of the draft is provided here.  The consumer protection provisions (summary) are similar to those in a bill (S.2033) introduced last September by Sen. Klobuchar and the community broadband provisions are nearly identical to those in Rep. Boucher’s bill (H.R. 3281) (Summary & comparison to other community broadband bills).  The legislation also requires the creation of a spectrum efficiency plan for Federal agencies, which must include “smart radio” receiver technology.

Witnesses included Joey Durel, Jr., city-parish president of Lafayette, LA., Steve Largent, president and CEO of CTIA, Larry Darby of the American Consumer Institute, and Chris Murray, senior counsel of Consumers Union.

Satellite Tax Legislation - State Video Fairness Act of 2007

On February 14^th, the House Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on the “State Video Fairness Act of 2007” (H.R. 3679).  The legislation, which is being pushed by satellite video providers, would preempt states from imposing a “discriminatory tax” on video programming providers.  The bill defines a “discriminatory tax” as any direct or indirect tax that results in “different net State charges” being imposed on video service providers.  The legislation is being opposed by NATOA, NACo, NLC, USCM, GFOA and NGA.

Local Governments Speak in Support of PEG

Dearborn Michigan Mayor John B. O’Reilly testifies on behalf of local government before US House Energy & Commerce Sub Committee on Telecommunications in support of PEG.

Copies of Mayor O’Reilly’s testimony can be found at the following links:

Testimony Attachment