The Honorable W.J. "Billy" Tauzin
Chairman
Committee on Energy and Commerce
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Re: H.R. 4560, the Auction Reform Act of 2002, as introduced

Dear Mr. Chairman:

I am writing to support legislation being considered by the House Energy and Commerce Committee that would postpone the Federal Communications Commission's auctions of spectrum in the 700 MHz band. The Administration believes that, until more certainty exists about the means for and timing of clearing this spectrum, an auction of the Upper and Lower 700 MHz bands would be premature and contrary to the public interest.

As you are aware, in late February, the Administration transmitted to Congress proposed legislation that would, among other things, postpone the statutory deadlines for the auctions of spectrum currently assigned to television channels 60-69 (747-762 MHz and 777-792 MHz) and 52-59 (698-746 MHz). As recognized in that proposal, a shift of the auction deadlines is needed to provide the time necessary to resolve existing uncertainties about when and how this spectrum will be cleared and ready for the deployment of new services. The Administration continues to believe that legislative action postponing the auctions is the right approach. Accordingly, we support your efforts to pass legislation that would authorize extending the current statutory dates for auctioning this spectrum.

I commend you and the many cosponsors and look forward to working with you on the bill as it moves through the legislative process. If my staff or I may be of any assistance, please contact Brenda Becker, Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, at (202) 482-3663.

Warm regards,

Donald L. Evans