WASHINGTON-An industry-backed relocation fund bill penned by House telecommunications subcommittee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) failed to win strong backing from key Bush administration officials at a hearing today. Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), ranking member of the parent House Commerce Committee, criticized the measure for lacking sufficient government oversight.
The bipartisan legislation would channel revenue from the auction of third-generation mobile-phone licenses into a fund to pay for moving military radio systems from the 3G-designated 1700 MHz band to other frequency bands.
Upton, who plans to mark up the bill in two weeks, said he expects to hear back from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Department of Defense next week on proposed changes to the legislation.
Two lawmakers want to earmark a portion of 3G license auction receipts for education and public-safety communications.
