Top Republicans on the Senate Commerce Committee are pressing FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to provide information on future spectrum auction opportunities, as well policy reforms that could be needed to ensure auction rules maximize spectrum use and further next-generation technologies.

In asking for the information, ranking member Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Communications Subcommittee ranking member John Thune (R-S.D.) pointed out that under her leadership, and that of her Republican predecessor, the Federal Communications Commission had auctioned hundreds of MHz of valuable spectrum for 5G — that includes C-band and 3.45-GHz spectrum.

They pointed out that the FCC‘s authority to conduct those and any future auctions expires September 30 and wanted to know what would happen if that authority were not extended.

The senators sought answers to the following questions:

“Please respond to the following questions to help inform our deliberations:

1.) “Congress has granted frequency-specific, extended statutory authority for auctions to the FCC in some instances. Please detail the specific auction authority the FCC will retain after the expiration of the general auction authority.

2.) “What spectrum auctions are pending or in the rulemaking process? When will those auctions be completed?

3.) “What statutory tools, beyond auction authority, do you believe would improve the FCC’s ability to make additional spectrum available for auction in the future?“

4.) “What specific frequencies, if any, do you believe are good candidates for auction that the FCC does not currently have the authority to conduct following the September 2022 expiration date?

5.) “What policy reforms can be made to spectrum auction rules to promote international competitiveness, maximize spectrum use efficiency, and foster the rapid deployment of next-generation technologies?” ■

Cable broadband operators are solidly behind a bill that could reduce the potential overbuilding power of some of the Biden Administration's billions of dollars in infrastructure investment. Potential overbuilding is a big issue given the size of the broadband investment -- about $65 billion -- and the Administration's signals that price and quality will factor into where it concludes broadband is not available sufficient to the public's needs.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is the lead sponsor of the Connect Unserved Americans Act, which would take several steps to reduce the amount of overbuilding allowed in serving the unserved.

“We strongly support Sen. Thune’s bipartisan Connect Unserved Americans Act which increases the USDA ReConnect Program’s unserved requirement for funding provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act from 50% to 80%," said NCTA-the Internet & Television Association.

Also: GOP: Broadband Money Must Go to Unserved

The bill also addresses the issue of multiple broadband subsidy programs and the possibility of funding overlap. "The legislation also requires the Treasury Department to coordinate with the USDA, NTIA and the FCC to ensure each of those government agencies’ broadband programs are working effectively with each other to not duplicate funding in communities where a grant or loan has already been provided," said NCTA.

NCTA argues the bill's changes are about standing up for unconnected communities and improving the efficiency of government programs. ■

A new bill, the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act, is asking the Federal Communications Commission to look beyond the customers of declining landline phone service for the subsidies it will need to power universal broadband.

Currently, the FCC‘s Universal Service Fund support for broadband in rural and lower-income areas is primarily subsidized by fees on traditional landline service, in part because it was unclear whether the regulator had the authority to such fees on broadband providers.

Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, and John Thune (R-S.D.) have teamed up on a bill that charges the FCC with opening a rulemaking to “reform the contributions system, taking into account the fairness and the relative burden any changes in fees will have on consumers and businesses, as well as the impact the proposed changes to the contribution system will have on seniors.”

Also: FCC Tops $2 Billion in Emergency Broadband Funds for Schools, Libraries

USF fees are passed along to customers on their monthly bills.

“In 2021, we should be able to bring high-speed internet to every family in America — regardless of their zip code,” Klobuchar said in a statement. “This bill will help ensure we have the resources to keep the Universal Service Fund strong so we can continue to expand access to broadband."

Added Thune: “It is crucial that rural communities across South Dakota have access to reliable broadband services.” 

The senators pointed out that relying on landline subsidies for USF, which supports rural health care, service to low-income households and school and library broadband access, even as landline use declines in favor of wireless and VoIP, "places a disproportionate impact on seniors, who are significantly more likely to use a landline than younger adults."

The Biden administration is hardly relying on the USF alone to close the divide. In fact, it has been arguing that the $65 billion it has allocated for broadband buildout and adoption in the new infrastructure package that passed in Congress — plus earlier, COVID-19-related, emergency broadband funding — should be enough to get the job done, though it was unclear whether that presumed continued stable USF funding.

Some top Republican senators are pressing Acting FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel for more details on the FCC's proposal to open up its E-Rate broadband subsidy funds to home broadband service and devices, suggesting they are concerned about the viability of the overarching Universal Service Fund subsidy program.

Also Read: Charter, NCTA Emphasize Ongoing E-Rate Connectivity

They want to know how that E-rate expansion program--funded by taxes on consumer's telecom bills--dovetails with billions of dollars elsewhere allocated to remote learning by Congress, including for home service and devices.

In a letter to Rosenworcel Friday (Feb. 12), Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee joined by former Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.), pointed out that if the FCC expands the E-Rate to allow funds for remote learning, rather than the current limit to devices and service in schools and libraries, it could create demand greater than the current available E-rate funding and thus increase that line item on consumer bills. They called that a regressive tax since the same charge is levied on rich and poor alike, citing a Government Accountability Office report to that effect.

Also Read: COVID-19 Aid Bill Includes $7 Billion-Plus for E-Rate

They point out that Congress has provided tens of billions of dollars for K-12 education already, some of it expressly for distance learning. Then there is the $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program in the December COVID-19 relief package that the FCC is in the process of standing up. "[T]he billions of dollars made available through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program are intended to help connect families that could otherwise not afford broadband," they said. "Is there any reason to believe this program will fail to connect families with school-aged children? If so, please explain how E-Rate expansion could succeed where the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program fails."

Then there is the $7 billion-plus more for remote learning in the new COVID-19 aid bill currently being hammered out.

The senators said they want to make sure that the FCC taps those billions before "increasing the burdens on the USF."

They asked Rosenworcel for answers, including on the following:

1. "Has the Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA) calculated the amount of additional funding that would be required to support distance learning? Although the Public Notice anticipated that more funding would be required, it failed to estimate a specific figure. Has the Commission calculated the impact on the contribution factor if these petitions are granted? If OEA has not made this calculation, we ask that it be done and an answer provided to the Committee.
2. "In order to constrain skyrocketing expenses, would funding to now-empty schools be reduced and redirected to their remote students? If not, please explain why the Commission continues to spend money on broadband to shuttered schools while expanding the E-Rate program to fund connections to students whose schools have not yet reopened.
3. "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently advises that schools may begin to reopen with certain safety precautions in place. The ongoing rollout of vaccines should also lead to schools reopening at a faster pace.  If the Commission chooses to reinterpret Section 254 of the Telecommunications Act, how quickly do you anticipate the E-Rate program could be transformed to support spending for internet services outside of traditional classrooms? Additionally, how quickly do you anticipate the funding could be disbursed by the Universal Service Administrative Company, and students obtain access to broadband services in their homes? How would the Commission prioritize the funding and would schools that have safely reopened be eligible for the additional spending? Will a potential expansion of the E-Rate program meaningfully help manage the impact of the pandemic in a timely manner as schools reopen across the country? As this expansion is intended to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, what is your plan for winding down this additional spending once the pandemic has been brought under control and students and teachers return to classrooms?
4. "With the contribution factor climbing to an all-time high, are you considering safeguards such as a cap on the contribution factor to ensure that the burdens of these programs do not fall on those who can least afford them? If not, please explain how you would protect Americans from ever-increasing fees.
5. "Given the inherent differences of providing service to students’ homes instead of classrooms, what rules would you need to implement in order to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse? Do you plan on following current Commission precedent of making any proposed rules available to the public prior to a vote?"

The senators want answers ASAP, but no later than Feb. 26.

The Republican Conference has elected its leadership for the next Congress, and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has been re-installed as Republican leader. That title was formerly either "majority" or "minority leader," but that has changed and this year that chance is particularly appropriate since it is unclear which one McConnell will be. 

While President Trump lost, it was far closer than predicted, while in Congress Republicans may hold on to the Senate after predictions it would flip to Democrats--two Georgia run-offs will determine whether Republicans maintain a majority or whether it is a 50/50 split with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris able to cast a tie-breaking vote. In the House, the Democrats predictions of picking up a dozen or more seats evaporated, with Republicans actually picking up seats, though with Dems still in control.

Former Senate Commerce Committee chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) was elected Republican whip. The "whip" is charged with helping the speaker corral votes for legislative proposals.

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) was elected Conference chairman; Roy Blunt will be chairman of the Policy Committee; Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) will be conference vice chairman; and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) will be chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Some powerful Republican Senators are taking strong issue with a Trump Administration request for input on a government-managed 5G network.

That came in a letter to President Trump from 19 senators, led by Sen. John Thune, chairman of the Senate Commerce Communications Subcommittee.

That makes the feeling bipartisan and mutual. House Democrats two weeks ago pushed back on nationalized 5G.

Related: Pai Opposes Nationalized 5G Net

The senators tread carefully, opening their letter with praise for the President's leadership in the race to 5G and the "free market path" he has so far taken before saying that a Department of Defense request for information (RIF) on such a government-managed network worked against the President's objectives.

"Nationalizing 5G and experimenting with untested models for 5G deployment is not the way the United States will win the 5G race," they told the President. But they suggested it is the way to make 5G more vulnerable to attack. "When bad actors only need to penetrate one network, they have a greater likelihood of disrupting the United States communications services."

Kelly Cole, senior VP of government affairs, for telecom association CTIA, backed up the letter, quoting Trump's own words. “We commend Senator Thune and his 18 Senate colleagues for their continued leadership and commitment to a free market approach to building the 5G economy," said Cole. "As President Trump has said, a nationalized 5G network ‘won’t be as good, nearly as fast.’ He is right, and thanks to this Administration’s support for auctioned spectrum and private sector solutions, we benefit from multiple nationwide 5G networks today.”

Amid similar concerns last year about nationalizing the net to ensure its security from foreign attacks, the President signaled that he favored a private sector-driven approach.

Among the other senators signing on to the letter were Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

The House has voted overwhelmingly to approve the bipartisan TRACED Act, a Senate bill (S. 151) that would crack down on unwanted robocalls. The vote was 417-3. 

The bill has already passed the Senate so it now heads to the President's desk. 

Caller ID and spam blocking app Truecaller released a report this week that showed spam robocalls were up fivefold in 2019, up from 7% of spam calls to 35%. 

Among other things, the bill would give the FCC civil fining authority of up to $20,000 per call for those who "intentionally flout" telemarketing restrictions. That could add up given that, by some estimates, spam calls make up over 40% of all calls. It would also extend the statute of limitations for taking action against illegal robocalls from one year to three.  

The bill would help punish bad actors--the FCC could seek financial penalties for misleading calls--and verify good calls, said its backers. It would also require carriers to provide default blocking at no extra cost. 

Related: Cable Ops Oppose Default Robocall-Blocking Mandate 

The compromise bill was introduced last month 

The Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act combines (and reconciles) the TRACED Act, which passed the Senate in May, and the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act, which incorporated five robocall bills, and passed the House in July. 

Specifically, according to Energy & Commerce, the bill:

• "Requires carriers to offer call-authentication technology to consumers and small businesses—in rural and urban America—at no additional charge;
• "Requires opt-in or opt-out robocall blocking be offered at no additional charge to consumers;
• "Gives the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the ability to step up enforcement actions against unlawful robocalls with a longer statute of limitations and increased fines in certain cases;
• "Pushes the Department of Justice to bring more criminal prosecutions against criminal robocallers;
• "Requires the FCC to work to stop one-ring scams;
• "Helps the FCC and responsible carriers traceback and cutoff suspect phone companies that are responsible for sending vast numbers of unlawful robocalls; and
• "Protects patients, doctors and hospitals from unlawful robocalls."

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee that has principal oversight of the issue, said the bill provided meaningful solutions and was a great piece of legislation. (The Thune in the bill's name is John Thune [R-S.D]). 

"This is important legislation because unlawful robocalls are not only a nuisance," said Pallone, "they are also undermining our entire phone system and consumers' safety as a result. Too often Americans simply will not pick up their phones, out of fear that a robocall is on the other end of the line."

Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), ranking member of the Energy & Commerce Committee, called it a good bill, though warned that scammers would try to do an end-around carrier efforts to stop them, so it was good that the bill included reports back to Congress on what else might be needed. 

“Here’s why the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act is a massive achievement and a landmark consumer protection bill: It supercharges the technology and traceback tools we know will cut down the illegal robocalls that are hijacking our phones and polluting our communications networks," said USTelecom president Jonathan Spalter. "The robocall battle won’t be won overnight, but today consumers notched a big victory against a determined enemy." 

“Robocalls have been flooding our phones for years, causing many Americans to even stop answering their phones," said NCTA-The Internet & Television Association. "We applaud House passage of the TRACED Act, and commend the bipartisan leadership of Senator Thune and Congressman Pallone for passing legislation that protects consumers from this daily aggravation. The TRACED Act is an important step to help alleviate Illegal robocalls and keep consumers safe from scammers.”

"I applaud the House for passing the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act," said Competitive Carriers Association president Steven K. Berry. "All carriers care about providing their customers with trusted voice communications and I commend Congress for taking steps to implement effective call authentication programs that address this overwhelming consumer complaint."

“ACA Connects is pleased that Congress has reached a bipartisan consensus on legislation to protect consumers from unwanted and illegal robocalls," said ACA Connects President Matt Polka. "ACA Connects members are eager to bring relief to their customers from the torrent of nuisance calls and scams, and to that end," Polka said. "ACA Connects is pleased that the bill takes into account the unique implementation challenges facing smaller providers. With the bill now headed to the Senate, we look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to bring an end to the robocalls scourge.”

House Energy & Commerce Committee leadership said Friday that they have come up with bipartisan, bicameral, legislation to combat unwanted robocalls.

The FCC is on the same page and a parallel track with various initiatives and fines for illegal robocalls, but it is one of the key constituent issues on the Hill so legislators want to put their own stake in that turf.

Signing on to the compromise bill are Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.), Senate Communications Subcommittee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.), Energy & Commerce Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-Ore.), Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-Pa.), and ranking member Bob Latta (R-Ohio).

Related: Cable Ops Oppose Default Robocall-Blocking Mandate

“Today, we are proud to announce that we have come to an agreement in principle on legislation, the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act, to combat the robocall epidemic that we believe can be signed into law by the President,” they said in a joint statement. “It’s time to put Americans back in charge of their phones. Our agreement will require telephone carriers to verify calls and allow robocalls to be blocked in a consistent and transparent way, all at no extra charge to consumers. The agreement also gives the FCC and law enforcement the ability to quickly go after scammers. We look forward to finalizing the bill text in the coming days.”

The Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act will combine (and reconcile) the TRACED Act, which passed the Senate in May, and the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act, which passed the House in July.

The FCC under chairman Ajit Pai has made cracking down on unwanted calls, that number in the many billions annually, one of his signature issues. That includes clarifying that carriers can block robocalls by default and incentivizing them to add the feature at no extra charge.  

The FCC is under pressure from Congress to help consumers weed out unwanted robocalls--for one thing, legislators keep pointing out that they get such calls during hearings about how to stop them.

“Help is on the way! Thank you to these Congressional leaders for coming together to provide critical new tools to fight back against the robocall criminals scamming consumers and polluting our networks," said USTelecom President Jonathan Spalter. "This is a powerful shot in the arm to our technology driven traceback and verification work and will go a long way in helping take back our phones.”

Reaction continued to pour in Wednesday (June 14) after President Donald Trump signaled his intention to nominate Jessica Rosenworcel to another term as an FCC commissioner.

Her nomination must still be sent to Senate, and confirmed there, but that is expected to happen without incident.

"Few people have ever walked through the doors of the Federal Communications Commission with as much knowledge, experience, and good judgment as Jessica Rosenworcel," said Michael Copps, special advisor to Common Cause. "I know from personal experience that she is among the most capable ever to hold the title of Commissioner, and her return to the Commission could not come at a more propitious time. With the Open Internet, media localism, and diversity all under threat, the public interest has never needed a public interest servant of her caliber so acutely. I urge Congress to confirm her with dispatch."

Copps is both Rosenworcel's former boss and colleague as FCC commissioner and chairman.

"Sen. [John] Thune is pleased to see Jessica Rosenworcel’s nomination moving forward," said a spokesman for the Senate Commerce Committee. "While the Commerce Committee does not yet have the necessary paperwork to act on her nomination, in deciding how to proceed, the committee will be seeking more information about the status of the administration’s efforts to nominate a qualified candidate for the remaining vacancy at the FCC. The committee also expects Rosenworcel’s nomination will allow stalled bipartisan telecommunications legislation, including the MOBILE NOW Act, to pass the Senate and advance to the House of Representatives."

Thune is chairman of the Commerce Committee and was on the record in support of Rosenworcel's renomination before that did not pan out by the end of the last Congress.

"ACA praises President Trump for announcing his intent to nominate Jessica Rosenworcel to a new term at the Federal Communications Commission," said American Cable Association President Matt Polka. "Her experience in communications law and regulation and her diligence in working through the issues are truly impressive. ACA looks forward to working with Commissioner Rosenworcel at this critical time in the quest to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable, high-performance broadband. Upon her official nomination, ACA encourages the Senate to confirm her quickly."

"Commissioner Rosenworcel has distinguished herself as a smart and tireless advocate for consumers on important issues, like public safety and bridging the digital divide," said Charter in a statement. "She has shined a spotlight on the need to eliminate the homework gap to ensure America’s students have access to the digital tools to help them succeed in school. We look forward to her continued leadership and to partnering with her to make broadband more available to all Americans.”

“CenturyLink congratulates Jessica Rosenworcel on the news that she will be renominated to serve as an FCC commissioner,” said David Bartlett, CenturyLink VP of federal government affairs. “She is a thoughtful public servant who has an excellent grasp of the issues facing today's communications industry and we look forward to working with her again.”

"The Internet Innovation Alliance congratulates Jessica Rosenworcel on being nominated by President Trump for a new term as Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission," the group said. "We welcome her presence at the Commission and look forward to her strong leadership on adopting FCC policies that will help further expand broadband deployment to all Americans. IIA hopes the Senate will move quickly to confirm Rosenworcel, and we look forward to working with her in the months and years to come."

"We applaud President Trump for nominating Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel to the FCC," said Consumer Technology Association President Gary Shapiro. "Her renomination to the FCC reinforces that President Trump, an active user of anytime/anywhere connectivity, understands the importance of U.S. leadership in the digital economy and setting a market-driven, pro-innovation approach on communications and tech policy issues. We look forward to working together with the administration to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our industry, including finding additional licensed and unlicensed spectrum."

“Jessica Rosenworcel is a committed public servant and USTelecom is grateful that her work on behalf of consumers and innovators alike can continue at the Federal Communications Commission," said USTelecom CEO Jonathan Spalter. "I’ve personally worked with Commissioner Rosenworcel on a number of issues over the years, including the ‘homework gap’ and closing the digital divide, and I’ve always been impressed by her intellect, her integrity and her commitment to encouraging continued investment in our nation’s broadband networks and increasing choice and opportunities for consumers. USTelecom and its members will consider it a great privilege to continue to work with her on these important issues, and we encourage the Senate to confirm her nomination swiftly."

“Congratulations to Jessica Rosenworcel on her nomination to the FCC. Jessica is a dedicated champion for schools, public safety and competition policy who has helped bring consumers and families more choices and better prices," said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering. “Jessica is a gifted policy maker, steeped in substance, and firmly focused on a forward vision to preserve a free and open internet, and build a better broadband future for all Americans. We look forward to working with Jessica toward policy goals that bring more competition, and more opportunity for students, start-ups, streamers and dreamers.”

"The News Media Alliance applauds the nomination of Jessica Rosenworcel as Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)," said the press advocacy group. "We believe her knowledge of the issues relevant to the news media industry will be of great value in building on a rich communications landscape that will serve the public. We are supportive of her nomination and hope to see her confirmed expeditiously."

“I'm delighted that my friend and former colleague will be renominated to serve on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)," said Robert McDowell, chief public policy advisor for Mobile Future and a former FCC commissioner. "Commissioner Rosenworcel is a true intellectual who is always thoughtful and thorough in the pursuit of her duties. She brings strong experience and insight to the Commission and is a dedicated public servant who works to implement policies she believes best serve the public interest. Commissioner Rosenworcel will serve with distinction and new found energy after her hiatus. Mobile Future supports her renomination and confirmation and looks forward to working with her and the FCC around policies that will ensure our nation’s mobile future continues to drive innovation, job creation, competition, and economic growth.”

“NTCA, our membership and myself personally, congratulates Jessica Rosenworcel on being renominated to the FCC," said NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association CEO SHirley Bloomfield. "In her initial tenure at the FCC and during her distinguished career as a key congressional and FCC staffer, she was a leader for the technology industry and a champion for consumers. She knows firsthand the importance of broadband to bring advancements in healthcare, education, public safety and economic development to rural America. We are pleased for the opportunity to work with her again once she is confirmed and to pursue our shared interests in ensuring sustainable and affordable broadband access for all Americans.”

"WifiForward welcomes the opportunity to once again work with Jessica Rosenworcel and all members of the FCC on forward-thinking and balanced spectrum policies that will free up more unlicensed spectrum and promote the expansion of wireless broadband and connected devices," the group said. "We congratulate Ms. Rosenworcel, who has long been a champion of Wi-Fi and its ability to spur economic growth and innovation, while also acknowledging its importance as a tool to help narrow the homework gap and digital divide."

“I am thrilled to congratulate Jessica Rosenworcel on her renomination to the FCC,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-COnn.). “Ms. Rosenworcel has proven herself to be a dedicated public servant and a strong leader on a wide range of telecom issues that affect students, emergency responders, and everyday consumers across the country. She has been unwavering in her commitment to this work, and she deserves the same from Republican leadership: an immediate confirmation vote and a smooth transition, so she can continue advocating for American consumers.”

The MOBILE NOW Act failed to secure passage thanks to the ongoing battle between Democrats and Republicans over stranded nominees, including Jessica Rosenworcel's renomination and the nomination of Merrick Garland to fill the empty Supreme Court seat.

Following two failed attempts to pass a continuing resolution, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) took to the Senate floor Tuesday to ask for unanimous consent to pass the bipartisan bill, but Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) once again said no dice while those nominations continue to be in limbo.

Thune's call for UC passage, essentially a procedural short-cut for noncontroversial bills, forced at least one senator to object or the measure would have passed.  That was an angry Reid.

Reid said, quoting former Sen. Bob Dole: "If you don't keep your word, is doesn't matter what agenda you try to advance," making it clear that applied to the advancement of mobile wireless.

Reid said that while he had great respect for Thune, he was not going to let the bill through, at least not today.

He said he was still waiting for Republicans to keep the promise they had made 18 months ago on that same Senate floor to hold a confirmation vote on Rosenworcel and that they could bring up MOBILE NOW as much as they wanted, it wasn’t getting voted.

Reid back in April also hammered Republicans in a floor speech over the Rosenworcel deal/No Deal.

Thune said he was also disappointed, He said he knew Reid was frustrated with the inaction on Rosenworcel, but that it was out of his hands and he had done everything he could, including voting her out of the committee--unanimously. He said scheduling the floor was not in his control.

The Senate Commerce Committee has confirmed it will be holding an FCC oversight hearing Sept. 15, and confirmed as B&C/Multichannel News reported, that all five commissioners--the chairman is also a commissioner--will be in attendance.

The 10 a.m. hearing will cover "every aspect of the agency and major policy issues before the commission," the committee said in announcing the hearing.

“With the FCC considering significant new rules affecting consumer privacy, cable service through set-top boxes, and other issues impacting our economy, effective collaboration and informed decision making at the commission couldn’t be more important,” said Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.). “This hearing presents an opportunity to discuss concerns about partisanship affecting commission work and to raise issues on important policy questions under consideration this fall.” 

Those important issues include set-top boxes, broadband privacy, media ownership and business data service revamp proposals, as well as how long FCC Chairman Tom wheeler plans to remain at the helm, the FCC's plans for the 5G wireless rollout, and a possible program diversity Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that could be on the docket for a vote this month (as could set-tops).