WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Republican Leader on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, and Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Vice-Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today introduced the Government Spectrum Valuation Act to require the federal government to estimate and publish the commercial value of their spectrum holdings. 

“Continuing to free up wireless spectrum is essential for maintaining and expanding American leadership in next-generation wireless technologies. It’s a critical component in beating the Chinese in the race to 5G, expanding WiFi capacity, and deploying broadband networks in rural America,” said McMorris Rodgers. “While the federal government has taken steps to repurpose and auction more spectrum over the years, they still hold more than two-thirds of useable wireless spectrum. This legislation will bring transparency to the federal government’s spectrum holdings by reporting on the commercial value of their spectrum. This is the first step towards incentivizing more responsible and efficient use by federal agencies and, in turn, lead to more spectrum being commercially available in the future.”

“It is important for the American people to know just how valuable spectrum is to our nation,” said Rep. Clarke. “This is a crucial resource to promote innovation to meet consumer demand in a post-COVID America as many work and learn from home. I am proud to join my colleague, Rep. McMorris-Rogers in taking this step to achieve more transparent conversations about the opportunities of federal spectrum use.”

Read the full bill text by clicking here. 

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