On the recordJanuary 25, 2011
I rise today to reintroduce the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act. Radio spectrum is a tremendous resource. It can grow our economy and put innovative wireless services in the hands of consumers and businesses. It also can enhance our public safety by fostering communications between first responders when the unthinkable occurs. But it is also scarce. That is why we need a forward-thinking spectrum policy that promotes smart use of our airwaves--and provides public safety officials with the wireless resources they need to keep us safe. For all of these reasons, I believe in the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act and call on my colleagues to join me and support it. I commit to them that I am open to their input and will work tirelessly with the administration, my Senate and House colleagues, and public safety officials to pass this legislation this year. The Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act does two things. First, as we approach the tenth anniversary of 9/11, this legislation will provide public safety officials with an additional 10 megahertz of spectrum known as the 'D-block.' This spectrum will at long last, support a national, interoperable, wireless broadband network that will help first responders protect us from harm. I believe this is the right thing to do, because we owe those courageous individuals who wear the shield the resources they need to do their job.
