House Passes Spectrum Inventory

Congress is one step closer toward spectrum inventory and relocation after the House passed H.R. 3125, the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act, yesterday afternoon (April 14).  The bill was considered under “Suspension of the Rules,” which means there were no amendments, a limited time for debate, and a requirement of a 2/3 vote for passage.  This procedure is reserved for noncontroversial bill or those with strong bi-partisan support. 

The bill passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 394-18.  This is no surprise.  What is good, though, is that the EW Working Group, led by Rep. Pitts, and the AOC were able to secure significant improvements to the bill to make it more palatable.  It’s still a bad bill, but certainly not as bad as it was.  Now, attention is turning to a related bill, H.R. 3019, the Spectrum Relocation Improvement Act.  This measure is now the focus of the EW community’s concern.  It’s a bill that will likely ensure mistakes are made faster than they are today.  It moved alongside H.R. 3125 through committee consideration, but it has not yet been brought to the floor.  I would not be surprised to see the bill rolled into H.R. 3125 in conference committee, but there has not been any indication on the way ahead for this bill.

What’s next?  First, the Senate will likely consider its version the inventory bill, S. 649.  Then, there may be a Conference Committee to iron out the differences (the AOC supports the House version over the Senate version).  Of course, this is Congress, which means are many ways a bill can make its way to the President’s desk without adhering closely to “How a Bill Becomes a Law.”

Here is copy of remarks from Rep. Joseph Pitts during consideration of H.R. 3125 yesterday:

·       Mr./Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to speak on the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act.

·       As the founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Electronic Warfare Working Group, I believe that the electromagnetic spectrum is critically important to our current and future military operations.

·       I am pleased to see that the Committee has taken into consideration some concerns raised by the Administration and the electronic warfare community regarding this bill.

·       However, the electromagnetic spectrum is a dynamic and ever-changing environment, and we must ensure that the Armed Forces can manage the utilization of the spectrum and provide long-term strategic planning and program development.

·       While I understand the importance and the potential economic value of spectrum inventory, it is vital that this bill take into account the criticality of the electromagnetic spectrum to military training and operations and the importance of the US military controlling the spectrum in conflict.

·       I will support this bill today, but we must be very vigilant as the inventory is taken.  If mistakes are made, serious negative consequences will ensue.  Consequences that could harm the warfighter and his ability to use the spectrum in training and war.

·       Thank you, Mr./Madam Speaker.  I yield back.