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Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA), co-chairs of the Congressional Spectrum Caucus, reintroduced bipartisan spectrum legislation from the 113^th Congress.  Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA), the Chair and Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, are original co-sponsors.   Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.  

H.R. 1641, the Federal Spectrum Incentive Act mirrors legislation introduced in the previous Congress (H.R. 3674).  H.R. 1641 will provide financial incentives to encourage government agencies to relocate from their existing spectrum bands in order to free up additional spectrum for commercial and innovation purposes.  Agencies could use these funds to accommodate relocation costs or to offset sequestration cuts.

“Spectrum is an important and limited resource,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “By encouraging federal agencies to make additional spectrum available, we can invest in innovation and ensure spectrum is available to meet the demands of our critical emergency needs and commercial uses.”

“The AWS-3 auction highlighted the appetite for increased spectrum in the marketplace.  As Americans increasingly rely on smartphones and tablets to communicate, Congress must look for creative ways to produce more spectrum.  This legislation would create the first ever incentive auction for federal agencies and – for once – offer revenue to federal spectrum users. It is a game-changer,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “I am pleased to join with Congressman Guthrie and our Senate colleagues on this bipartisan, bicameral bill that is a win-win for consumers, and for American innovation.” 

“The legislation earned strong bipartisan support last Congress.  As co-chairs of the Congressional Spectrum Caucus, Congresswoman Matsui and I are eager to see this bill finally cross the finish line,” added Congressman Guthrie.