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House of Representatives Commerce Committee
House Commerce Leaders Have DTV Transition Questions For FCC, NTIA, Broadcasters
Submitted by Benton Foundation on November 9, 2008 - 4:28pmLast updated: November 9, 2008 - 4:29pm
House Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-MI) and Telecom Subcommittee Chairman Ed Markey (D-MA) still have some unanswered questions coming out of the September early analog cut-off in Wilmington (NC) and have asked the Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; the National Association of Broadcasters, and broadcasters to fill in the blanks.
Barton Urges FCC to Listen to Public, Reform Costly Universal Service Fund
Submitted by Benton Foundation on October 30, 2008 - 9:50pmLast updated: October 30, 2008 - 9:50pm
Rep Joe Barton (R-TX) told the Federal Communications Commission Thursday that its attempt to reform the Universal Service Fund "misses the mark" and will have the effect of leaving rural Americans behind.
Lawmakers question FCC Chairman Martin on Public Safety Spectrum Auction
Submitted by Benton Foundation on September 23, 2008 - 9:26pmLast updated: September 24, 2008 - 7:53am
Reps John Dingell (D-MI), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Jane Harman (D-CA) have written Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin about the D-block/700 MHz spectrum auction. The lawmakers are concerned that 1) the public has too little to review and comment on proposed rules for the auction and 2) the proposed rules lean toward a national license instead of regional ones.
Greater Oversight of Universal Service Fund Needed
Submitted by Benton Foundation on July 10, 2008 - 8:24pmLast updated: July 14, 2008 - 3:29pm
The Government Accountability Office released a report questioning the Federal Communications Commission's oversight of the Universal Service Fund's (USF) High Cost program, a multibillion dollar, nationwide program aimed at ensuring affordable access to communications services in largely rural areas.
Markey Introduces Bipartisan Telecom Accessibility Bill
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 20, 2008 - 7:40amRepresentative Edward Markey (D-MA), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet today introduced the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act to enhance access to broadband technology and services for persons with disabilities.
Gutierrez gets Dingellgram
Submitted by Benton Foundation on May 7, 2008 - 7:51amHouse Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-MI) has written Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez concerning the department's relationship with the Internet Corporation for Assigned names and Numbers (ICANN). The Dingell letter asks Secretary Gutierrez to answer the following questions within two weeks: 1) Does the Dept of Commerce intend to continue its oversight role of ICANN, 2) In what way does the Dept of Commerce intend to continue that role, 3) Does the Dept intend to ensure that the key facilities of the root server system continue to be housed in the United States, and 4) How does the Dept intend to ensure that ICANN fulfill its commitment to remain headquartered in the US.
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_110/110-ltr.050608.DOC.ICANN.pdf
