U.S. House Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and Ranking Member Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) have launched a bipartisan Federal Spectrum Working Group to examine how the federal government can use the nation’s airwaves more efficiently, the two announced Wednesday (April 25). Walden said the group will “take a comprehensive, thoughtful, and responsible look at how to improve federal spectrum use as part of our ongoing effort to make the most efficient and effective use of the public’s airwaves.” In February, Congress gave the FCC authority to conduct broadcast spectrum auctions to free up bandwidth for mobile devices (Current, Feb. 28).
Chairs of the new group are Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Doris Matsui (D-Calif.). Members are Reps. John Shimkus (R-Ill.), Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), Steve Scalise (R-La.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), John Barrow (D-Ga.) and Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands). Walden and Eshoo will serve as ex-officio members.