Online Learing with eNATOA

Legislative Action Center

The 110th Congress is working on a variety of issues relating to network neutrality, cell phone consumer protection, community broadband, PEG programming availability, public safety spectrum, universal service, satellite tax, as well as holding a host of hearings on these and oversight issues. Be sure to visit NATOA’s Legislative Action Center for the latest information on what Congress is up to.

Enter Here


Online Learing with eNATOA

On The Hill

NATOA Joins Other Local Government Associations in Letter to the Congressional Leadership on Rights-of-Way in the National Broadband Plan

March 10, 2010 11:52 AM

Yesterday, NATOA joined with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, the Government Finance Officers Association, the International City/County Management Association, and the International Municipal Lawyers Association in sending a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).  The letter urged Congressional advocacy in favor of continued local management of rights-of-way and warned against potential FCC actions in the National Broadband Plan or the pending Level 3 proceeding that could jeopardize local management of rights-of-way and local budgets.  The letter also highlighted Congress’s clear intent, when drafting the applicable law, to prevent FCC interference with local management of rights-of-way.

 

The National Broadband Plan is due to Congress on March 17th, but the FCC is expected to publically release the Plan one day earlier at its Open Meeting on March 16th. 

 

We have been asked to request our members send a copy of this letter to their individual Representatives and Senators.  If you need assistance contacting your elected officials, please contact Matt Johnson at NATOA.  The letter can be found here.

A Good Couple of Weeks for the CAP Act – But More Help Needed

March 8, 2010 9:24 AM

The CAP Act (H.R. 3745) was introduced by Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) last October to help protect PEG channels.  The passage of the CAP Act has been one of NATOA’s top priorities over the last few months.  In the past month, the CAP Act has gained a lot of momentum.  Since the beginning of February, the CAP Act has received six new co-sponsors bringing the total to 19.

 

The most recent additions to the co-sponsor list are:  Rep. Jose Serranno (D-NY) (the Chairman of the Subcommittee in charge of FCC appropriations), Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA).

 

Despite this progress, the most critical step before the CAP Act will get a hearing at the Subcommittee level is finding a Republican co-sponsor (as of yet the CAP Act does not have any).  We have been told by Subcommittee staff that a Republican co-sponsor is a prerequisite to a hearing. 

 

If your district is represented by a Republican, especially a moderate Republican or one who is retiring before the election, please contact him or her about the CAP Act.  (If your district is represented by a Democrat, more Democratic co-sponsors can only help, so contact them as well.) 

 

A one page summary of the benefits of the CAP Act can be found here.



Rep. Baldwin Introduces the CAP Act in Effort to Protect PEG Channels

October 8, 2009 1:34 PM

Representative Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced today the Community Access Preservation (CAP) Act of 2009 (H.R. 3745).  The CAP Act addresses some of the most crucial issues currently facing public, educational, and government (PEG) channels.  NATOA, along with the Alliance for Community Media (ACM), has been a strong supporter of Rep. Baldwin in her actions fighting to protect PEG channels. 

Click here for the Press Release from Rep. Baldwin’s Office.  Click here for the full text of the CAP Act.

NATOA Leads Over 130 Others in Filing Comments with NTIA & RUS on Broadband Grant Program

April 23, 2009 2:10 PM
NATOA lead 130 communities and organizations in filing comprehensive comments in response to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Request for Information on how to implement the broadband grant program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  » Continue reading this entry

NATOA Invites All Communities to Sign On To NTIA/RUS Broadband Stimulus Comments

April 1, 2009 12:38 AM
NATOA has issued a general invitation to all communities to sign on to the NTIA/RUS Broadband Stimulus comments being drafted by NATOA.  For more information,.. » Continue reading this entry

» More On The Hill Items