Debbie Dingell: “I strongly support H.R. 1320, the ``Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act,'' to ensure that consumers benefit from the…”

“I strongly support H.R. 1320, the ``Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act,'' to ensure that consumers benefit from the tremendous technological advances in commercial wireless services. I had several concerns when this bill was first introduced, and I commend Chairmen Tauzin and Upton for working with me to address my concerns. It is important that the Committee on Energy and Commerce, whenever it creates a direct funding mechanism to achieve a policy goal, ensure that both the Committee and the congress maintain full and effective oversight abilities. I am comfortable that the substitute before us achieves that goal. First, it directs that both the Comptroller General and the Energy and Commerce and Appropriations Committees receive reports on the preliminary and final cost estimates for all relocations. The Committees and the General Accounting Office (GAO) will also receive reports on an annual basis regarding adherence to cost estimates and proposed timelines. These materials, taken together, will permit the Congress to closely monitor the spending inclinations of the Department of Defense and other agencies as they relocate to new spectrum. Also--this is particularly important--if an agency ever exceeds its spending estimates by 10 percent, it has to justify that increase both to the relevant Committees and to the GAO.”