[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 3630, MIDDLE CLASS TAX RELIEF AND JOB 
                          CREATION ACT OF 2012

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                               speech of

                         HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 17, 2012

  Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of a 
provision in H.R. 3630 that will help ensure a competitive, creative, 
and consumer-friendly wireless marketplace. As more and more Americans 
use mobile devices to surf the web and communicate with others, it is 
imperative that they have a choice of providers that have sufficient 
spectrum to meet these growing demands. Because H.R. 3630 gives the FCC 
authority to hold voluntary incentive auctions of broadcast spectrum, 
it is important to ensure that there is no question about the 
Commission's authority to adopt and enforce rules of general 
applicability concerning spectrum aggregation that promote competition. 
Fortunately, the H.R. 3630 conferees included a provision that 
specifically confirms that authority. As an exception to a provision in 
the bill that prohibits the FCC from preventing persons from 
participating in auctions, this savings clause gives the FCC the 
flexibility to adopt spectrum rules in the manner that most effectively 
promotes competition--in connection with a particular auction or 
otherwise. I commend the conferees for including this provision.

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