(t[:ongregg of tbe Wniteb $tateŁ) The Honorable Mignon Clyburn Acting Chairwoman '[imfnsbinuton, :ZOClC 2051 o September 20, 20 13 The Federal Communications Commission 445 Ii11 Street, S.W. Washington DC 20554 Dear Acting Chairwoman Clyburn: We want to thank you for the leadership you have demonstrated in advancing the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) implementation ofthe planned voluntary broadcast television incentive auction. However, we want to ensure that appropriate international coordination with Canada and Mexico and stations along the border move forward. This coordination is expressly required in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of2012 and is necessary to avoid harm to television viewers near international borders and to avoid limits on the amount of spectrum recovered for wireless broadband in many major markets. As the FCC works to finalize auction rules, it is essential that this international coordination be addressed expeditiously. The voluntary broadcast television incentive auction is a critical policy initiative that will , if implemented properly, free up spectrum for wireless broadband, fund a new public safety broadband network for our nation's first responders and reduce our deficit. Coordination with Canada and Mexico will not only help maximize auction revenues, but will also ensure sufficient channel allotments for local broadcasters who continue to serve their local communities. The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act clearly states in Section 6403(b )( 1 )(B) that reassignment of television channels is "subject to" international coordination. As you know, border coordination problems arose during the digital television (DTV) transition, which occurred over a much longer period than the current auction timeline. It is important that the FCC takes advantage of the insights gained during the DTV transition in carrying out this coordination process. We thank you for your continued attention to this important matter and request a response clarifying the Commission 's understanding of the statutory requirement in Section 6403(b)( l )(B) for international coordination and a status report on discussions with Canada and Mexico. A~I.L\~ Amy Klob~:~cl:la\­ United States Senator Sincerely, ~ 7 iJ.l· Ta;y Baldwin United States Senator ester ited States Senator United States Senator Susan M. Collins United States Senator tl4:. Richard J . Durbin United States Senator ~r~/ United States Senator (J}f11- c..~'~. Robert Casey United States Senator ~~ ~~~~----------- us Unite States Senator Ron J ~L:.- Carl Levin /""" United States Senator ~~ Jeanne Shaheen Debbie Stabenow United States Senator ~~0~ United States Senator Richard Blumenthal United States Senator ~0 Martin Heinrich United States Senator AI Franken United States Senator J1~~~J~ Heidi Heitkamp United States Senator