Walden Predicts Telecom Policy Continuity for House Commerce Under His Reign

“On the telecom sub and on the full committee, we were pretty united as Republicans on what we wanted to accomplish and what we did accomplish,” Walden said in an interview. “Some of that never made it all the way through. I think that provides a good starting place on some of the reforms and all. But we won’t make any decisions on subcommittee chairs until after the first of the year, by direction of the speaker for all committees.”

The GOP Steering Committee chose to recommend Walden for the position after hearing bids Thursday from him, Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., and Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas (see 1612010074). House Republicans approved that choice Friday. Walden is considered one of the most well-versed lawmakers on telecom, and has a record on FCC matters from agency process to media ownership to spectrum and the Lifeline program. The contest was seen as especially close between Walden and Shimkus for much of the year. “There’s not one bad thing you can say about either one of them,” Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., a member of the steering committee, told reporters. “And that’s not very sexy. … They answered every question perfectly.” Shimkus said candidates weren’t present for opponents' presentations.

“We’re going to have a lot of very important work to do on the subcommittee,” Walden told us. “I’ll be talking to the members of the full committee over the next couple weeks individually about what they’d like to do, where their interests really lie, and then begin to make those decisions.”

David Redl, telecom counsel to Walden, suspects his boss will remain focused on such issues as media ownership and brought up Walden's intention for legislation to repeal the cross-ownership ban. “He has been a vocal critic of changes to the UHF discount at the FCC," said Redl, speaking Friday during a Practising Law Institute event. He cited a need for a hearing with the incoming Republican FCC and predicted broad Republican interest in addressing aspects of the net neutrality order. Walden also has invoked his fondness for "A Better Way," the policy agenda of Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis.

Several names are rumored for the Communications Subcommittee chairmanship, though no lawmakers are publicly pushing for that spot specifically. One possibility is Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, vice chair of the Communications Subcommittee, who is active on issues like IoT and rural telecom. Another is Commerce Committee Vice Chairwoman Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., who was also once believed to be interested in a full committee bid. But she's part of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team, and many speculate she may want a cabinet position or perhaps a Senate run if Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., is tapped for Trump’s cabinet. Blackburn's spokespeople didn’t comment on subcommittee interest. Some also wonder about Shimkus’ next move.

“I’m willing to serve wherever the chairman will have me serve,” Shimkus, still among the most senior members of Commerce, told reporters Friday. “I’ve been on a lot of these committees a long time -- I’ve been on telco for 20, energy for 20. I’ve done the other ones. I’ve been all over the place.” Walden “was very kind on the floor” after Shimkus’ loss, he added. The only members with more seniority than Shimkus are outgoing Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., and Barton, a former chairman.

Barton “would be interested in serving as a subcommittee chair if asked,” his spokesman said when asked about the Communications Subcommittee opening. “I want to talk to Greg Walden face to face,” Barton said in an interview Friday. “I’ve already congratulated him. I think he’ll be a great chairman. But in terms of positions and roles, No. 1, it’s his decision, and No. 2, I want to have a private discussion with him before I start commenting to the press.” Earlier last week, Barton said the subcommittee decisions are typically “based on seniority but it’s not totally on seniority,” and anticipated the guidance of House Republican leaders would be involved.

Latta has expressed interest in chairing a subcommittee but isn’t specifying Communications. “Once you find out who the full committee chair is, that’s when you start seeing how things might be,” he told us earlier last week. “I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve served on all six subcommittees. All of the subcommittees do great work.” He cited his passion for IoT and work with Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., on those issues, and said he expects cybersecurity will remain a big issue in that arena in the next Congress. He also cited meeting with industry officials and their overall preference for a lighter-touch regulation. “I think there’s going to be a lot of talk about that,” Latta said of security concerns. But he stressed his love for committee work generally: “My philosophy also is this: I don’t want to just go to go. If I’m not going to be participating and contributing, I don’t like that idea. My idea is to work, and that’s what you’re here for anyway.”

Telecom industry officials welcomed Walden’s rise. He’s “a thoughtful policymaker with extensive experience and deep knowledge of issues surrounding telecommunications, technology and other important sectors of the U.S. economy,” said NCTA President Michael Powell. Walden’s “career has been marked by accomplishment and integrity,” said NAB President Gordon Smith. Internet Association President Michael Beckerman has “seen firsthand his commitment to a thriving internet sector for the betterment of our economy.” Walden’s “understanding of the Universal Service Fund and role in crafting the legislation leading to the 600 MHz incentive auction will be an asset to the Committee and to Congress,” said Competitive Carriers Association President Steve Berry. Walden’s “vast experience and understanding of issues to come before the committee, including telecommunications and technology policies, will be a tremendous asset for the committee,” said USTelecom President Walter McCormick. Walden is “uniquely qualified to lead in this key post” and the Wireless Infrastructure Association “appreciates his deep understanding of the pressing issues facing the wireless infrastructure industry,” said President Jonathan Adelstein. America's Public Television Stations President Patrick Butler called Walden "a voice of reason on telecommunications issues for many years."

“As a subcommittee chairman responsible for much of the House’s legislative tech portfolio, Greg Walden and I have worked well together to conduct oversight and pass important legislation benefiting the public,” said Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D.