The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction should consider spectrum...

committee “should consider new spectrum auctions as a mechanism to create jobs and raise significant revenue for deficit reduction.” The letter was circulated to Democratic members for input, but the letter hadn’t been finalized or sent to the super committee as of Wednesday morning. Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., a super committee member, won’t be sending recommendations to the super committee, an Upton spokesman said. Congress should give the FCC authority to conduct voluntary incentive auctions “to efficiently and responsibly repurpose broadcast and other spectrum for wireless broadband uses,” either through the super committee’s recommendations or separate legislation, Waxman said in his draft letter. Legislation also should “direct the Administration to identify any federal spectrum that can be utilized more efficiently and reallocated for auction or shared use,” he said. Some of the auction revenue should fund a national network for public safety, and the super committee should give the 700 MHz D-block to public safety, he said. Waxman estimated that even with money for the network, auctions would result in a net savings of $15 billion. Upton has been in regular contact with committee members “seeking their input on opportunities to reduce the deficit, and that feedback will help inform the Joint Select Committee’s work,” a GOP committee aide said. “Members wishing to provide more formal recommendations have an opportunity to do so, and we expect members will continue to provide input and support for the Joint Select Committee as it moves forward without the need for a formal committee submission.”