Spectrum Accountability Act

Mr. Speaker, I come before the House today to introduce H.R. 4715, the Spectrum Accountability Act, which supports the adherence to sound principles of spectrum auction management, particularly the use of competitive bidding. This bill addresses the requirement for spectrum auctions and the need for the efficient management of this finite resource. The competitive bidding process has already shown us that a fair market value is best attained through the use of competitive bidding.

At present, there is a disagreement over the proper statutory application of the Federal Communications Commission's requirement to conduct spectrum auctions. There are some who suggest that current communications law is unclear as to when an auction is required. This bill reaffirms the obvious intent of Congress to use the auction process and competitive bidding for the grant of commercial spectrum, and clarifies when the auction requirement is applicable.

Congress has a duty to efficiently manage Federal resources. This duty is the same whether the resource is actual taxpayer dollars or public assets, such as electromagnetic spectrum, which are held by the Government. While it is the Federal Communications Commission's role to handle the operational aspects of spectrum management, this function must be carried out as prescribed by communications law. Congress was quite clear that auctions and the competitive bidding process provide the most efficient and appropriate means for spectrum management; this bill will dispel any remaining misconceptions on the matter.