FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON April 18, 2023 The Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers The Honorable Frank Pallone Chair Ranking Member Committee on Energy and Commerce Committee on Energy and Commerce U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives 2125 Rayburn House Office Building 2322 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Maria Cantwell The Honorable Ted Cruz Chair Ranking Member Committee on Commerce, Science, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Transportation United States Senate United States Senate 428 Dirksen Senate Office Building 512 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510 Dear Committee Leadership: One of the most important and immediate goals of United States spectrum policy is to ensure that wireless communications, which lie at the center of the digital economy, continue to spur economic growth, investment, and job creation. During the past three decades, spectrum auctions have been an indispensable tool for meeting these national goals and harnessing the promise of beneficial, new technologies. These auctions have fueled competition, provided consumers with a vast array of wireless technologies and services, and ensured that the Nation’s scarce spectrum resources are put to their highest and best use. In fact, to date the Federal Communications Commission has held 100 spectrum auctions and in the process raised more than $233 billion for the United States Treasury. As a result, the agency’s auction program has enjoyed strong bipartisan support here at home and our efforts have been a model for regulators worldwide. As the Chairwoman and Commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission, we are writing to urge Congress to act promptly to restore the Commission’s authority to conduct these spectrum auctions. As you know, the Commission’s auction authority expired for the first time in the program’s 30-year history on March 9, 2023. Restoring this authority will provide the United States with the strongest foundation to compete in a global economy, counter Chinese technology leadership ambitions, and safeguard our national security. Importantly, the United States cannot afford to wait. The global community will soon convene for another World Radiocommunication Conference to determine the future of spectrum policy, and we must send a strong signal in advance of that meeting of our continued commitment to lead in coming generations of wireless technologies. Page 2 In previous years, Congress has always acted to extend the Commission’s auction authority without interruption. We look forward to working with you now to ensure the speedy enactment of legislation reauthorizing the Commission’s spectrum auction program, so that we can once again use this authority in service of consumers, businesses, and national security. Sincerely, Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel, Brendan Carr, Chair Commissioner Sincerely, Sincerely, Geoffrey Starks, Nathan Simington, Commissioner Commissioner