Mike Doyle

Accurate maps of who does and who doesn't have access to broadband are a critical first step in closing the digital divide.

We probably could use a little bit more of that these days in this country, of coming together as Americans.

Before we get started, I just want to take a moment to remember the lives lost 18 years ago on September 11th.

This would be more germane there. But, Mark, I think it is a great piece of legislation.

I think it would be almost unimaginable that we would allow a private auction and for foreign satellite companies to keep the money.

There is not a valid business case for that so we need money to do that.

There isn't anyone on this committee that doesn't agree that the mapping issue is a complete disaster and needs to be improved.

We are also pleased to hear, Chairman Doyle, your work with Congresswoman Matsui to advance continued focus on these issues.

Congresswoman Matsui and I are working on a proposal to make a significant amount of mid-band spectrum available over the next 5 years.

I'm deeply concerned that this process has broken down that the American people are going to be the ones that suffer.

I wish I shared your optimism that that investment is going to come, because we have been talking about the rural-urban divide now for almost 9 years.

I am concerned that the United States is going into the World Radio Conference, where an international interference protection level will be set in this band, and we don't have a cohesive position.

The FCC's recent order regarding the Educational Broadband Service effectively stripped the educational purpose and benefit from the band.

To meet current demand and enable future needs we need a national spectrum policy that incentivizes innovation and provides opportunities for new technologies and new entrants.

We hope to work together with our friends, my ranking member, Mr. Latta, with ranking member of the full committee Mr. Walden and all our colleagues on the Republican side and the Senate to help facilitate that transition and ensure all…

Through congressional action, I believe that this band can provide consumers, incumbent users, satellite operators, wireless companies, and new entrants an incredible opportunity.

I couldn't have a better co-chair of the caucus than Chris Smith and I want people to know that.

Funding has also been used to support the training and education of health professionals, to provide resources for families, and coordinate efforts across the federal agencies at the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee.

You know, when Chris Smith and I founded the Autism Caucus almost 19 years ago, most members of Congress's knowledge of autism was if they saw the movie 'The Rain Man.'

You deal with the parent of an autistic child, you're dealing with someone determined to make sure that this Congress does what we need to do and we are going to try to continue to do that.

Pennsylvania is in the midst of a natural gas boom which is a tremendous resource but only if it's developed in a way that protects human health and the environment.

Last year, FERC determined that PJM's capacity auction structure was unjust and unreasonable with regards to the State-supported resources such as renewables or nuclear.

The consumers I think, that we need to be focusing on, my constituents, the constituents of all of us here.

Thank you, Mr. Chair and ranking member, for having this hearing today and all the witnesses here.

The gentlelady's time is expired.