WASHINGTON-The Senate Commerce Committee Thursday sent to the Senate floor a bill to reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration without considering a Bush administration proposal to reorganize the Department of Commerce.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), chairman, reiterated to reporters his belief that there is not much support in his committee for the proposal that would move NTIA under the purview of the Technology Administration.
McCain also said he has not received a request to hold a hearing on the Commerce Department reorganization. Earlier this month, when the Senate Commerce Committee reauthorized the Technology Administration, McCain said if Commerce Secretary Donald Evans requested a hearing on the reorganization, he would hold such a hearing.
The NTIA reauthorization passed by unanimous consent. An amendment to eliminate the Technology Opportunities Program grants was defeated.
