Senate Commerce Committee Chmn. McCain (R-Ariz.) expressed skepti...
Senate Commerce Committee Chmn. McCain (R-Ariz.) expressed skepticism about communications law passing this year and said he was “guardedly optimistic” about Internet tax moratorium. After a hearing on the Telecom Act (see separate story, this issue), McCain said the…
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Spectrum Relocation Trust Fund (HR-1320) and Enhanced 911 (E-911) legislation (S-1250) could eventually pass. However, he said gridlock may scuttle all bills sent up by the Commerce Committee. “I have never seen Congress more politicized and polarized than it is in this period,” he said. “That’s why we haven’t enacted any legislation. We could end up with only appropriations bills.” McCain said broadband decency legislation could still come to the Senate floor, but Senate Majority Leader Frist (R-Tenn.) hasn’t yet “decided what he wants to do.” He said it’s uncertain whether an amendment to apply decency regulation to cable and DBS providers will come up because it’s unclear when the bill itself will come up. Also, McCain said he would likely try to move legislation on low power radio through an amendment. McCain praised Sen. Sununu (R-N.H.) for his VoIP bill and said he would like to hold a hearing on the bill this year.