House bill to extend payroll cuts will limit FCC ability to give more bandwidth to Wi-Fi

[karynnj]

instead calling for auctioning off unlicensed spectrum.

Almost anyone who uses a tablet computer, laptop, or smartphone has likely taken advantage of the availability of unlicensed spectrum the FCC has provided in the past by using one of the growing Wi-Fi spots available at coffee shops, stores, and other places around the country. Kerry and other lawmakers, as well as tech companies, public-interest groups, and others, would like to see the FCC free up even more unlicensed spectrum for Wi-Fi and new technologies but worry the provision in the spectrum bill approved by the House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee could derail that effort.
<snip>
Reed Hundt, who served as FCC chairman during the Clinton administration, described the House spectrum bill as “the single worst telecom bill I have ever seen.” Hundt, however, said he is concerned it could get passed as part of the payroll-tax package because many members want to see payroll-tax cut extended.
<snip>
Supporters of the House spectrum language may have the upper hand in negotiations with the Senate on the payroll-tax package. Both Walden and Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., are among the House conferees on the payroll-tax measure as is Energy and Commerce ranking member Henry Waxman, D-Calif. However, no Senate Commerce Committee members are on the payroll-tax conference panel, which would allow them to directly push for their version of the spectrum legislation.

“I’m worried … about the dynamics of the payroll-tax process because I’m not sure everybody engaged in that shares quite the same sensitivity that is represented in this room and elsewhere,” Kerry said.

http://www.nationaljournal.com/tech/kerry-seeks-internet-help-on-spectrum-20120131

[karynnj]

1. Kick

[HopeHoops]

2. Yeah, I can see how that's related.

Why the FUCK can't we just get a clean bill amendment?

[karynnj]

3. It is actually common that they want to "pay" for any cost increases

in bills that help people. The Democrats proposed it be paid for with a tax on the wealthy. If the Buffett rule tax increase passes, it would likely more than pay for the payroll tax extension.

[HopeHoops]

4. I still think bills should have a clear purpose and amendments should be directly related.

Attaching an environmental regulation to a condom availability bill is sort of the way I see almost everything that goes through Congress - no relationship.

[karynnj]

5. I agree - and another example was putting deciding on Keystone in the payroll bill last December

My point was that this is a little bit different. It is the type of thing once done to complete with Gramm/Rudman and other budget constraints. The reason it is a likely is that the Republicans are unwilling to pass anything that adds to the debt -- and they rule out any tax increases. This means a lot of completely unrelated ways to cut costs or raise revenue.

The problem is that this should be decided based on a real examination of policy - not just using it to raise money.

[raouldukelives]

9. Amen to that. nt

[TheKentuckian]

6. Kill the hostage you wicked fucks, make my day.

[karynnj]

7. I don't get what you are saying

[TheKentuckian]

8. The Payroll cut is the hostage held by the TeaPubliKlans

It is my hope that they blow its "brains" out and kill the silly thing.

[Johonny]

10. because Republicans are good for business

so long it is an old established business with lots of $ to buy their votes.