On the recordSeptember 27, 2016
Mr. President, I am disappointed that the minority has again chosen to put partisan politics ahead of passing noncontroversial, bipartisan, pro-growth legislation. My understanding is that their sole objection to passing the MOBILE NOW Act is the wholly unrelated nomination of FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. I know that the distinguished minority leader is frustrated that Commissioner Rosenworcel has not yet been confirmed to another term. On the floor previously, he also said that I have done everything possible within my authority as chairman of the Commerce Committee to advance her nomination through the process, and that is correct. We had her hearing. We voted her out of the committee. Scheduling the floor is not something that I control. What I don't understand, however, is why Senate Democrats believe that blocking the MOBILE NOW Act and other bipartisan bills that come out of my committee will help her cause. We invited Commissioner Rosenworcel to testify at one of our hearings leading up to the bill. Ironically, many of her ideas are reflected in this legislation. The bill also reflects the priorities and hard work of so many Commerce Committee Democrats. In particular, two of the most important additions to the bill were Senator Schatz's Promoting Unlicensed Spectrum Act and Senator Klobuchar's ``dig once bill,'' or the Streamlining and Investing in Broadband Infrastructure Act.…





