Jackie Speier: “Who among us is not for competition and innovation? This amendment speaks directly to that issue. And I want to read you…”

“Who among us is not for competition and innovation? This amendment speaks directly to that issue. And I want to read you the amendment: This act shall not take effect until the Federal Communications Commission submits to Congress a report on the impact of this act on the mandate of the commission to promote competition and innovation. Again, who isn't for competition and innovation? Among the important mandates of the FCC are the following: promoting competition, innovation, and investment in broadband services and facilities; supporting the Nation's economy by ensuring an appropriate competitive framework for the unfolding of the communications revolution; encouraging the highest and best use of spectrum domestically and internationally; revising media regulations so that new technologies flourish alongside diversity and localism; providing leadership; and strengthening the defense of the Nation's communications infrastructure. The provisions of this bill could potentially disable the agency and stymie the commission's ability to fulfill its most basic mission: to promote innovation while protecting the public interest. The U.S. has led the world in developing policies to unleash spectrum for mobile investment and innovation. The FCC was the first agency to develop spectrum auctions and also the first to free up so-called junk bands for unlicensed use, such as Bluetooth, cordless phones, and Wi-Fi, all things we take for granted today.…”