NTIA acting Dir. Michael Gallagher said Fri. he still gives the s...

lunch, Gallagher called the bill NTIA’s “top legislative priority.” Gallagher also said he was hopeful an amendment to the Senate version by Northpoint has a good chance of being removed from the bill. Inclusion of a Northpoint provision when the bill was marked up last year has been viewed as a stumbling block. “There is very active discussion about how that bill needs to be crafted to get it across the finish line today in the Senate,” Gallagher said: “There is very strong senatorial support. The challenge is what is being hung on it.” Gallagher noted that, as one of a few bills that has a chance of passage, it’s a target for amendment. But Gallagher said he has heard Northpoint amendment may be withdrawn. “The political weight of Northpoint and the Northpoint amendment is lessening day by day,” he said: “The fact is the Commission auctioned that spectrum. Over $100 million was garnered in auction by the Commission for auctioning that spectrum. That is well known and is sinking into the debate.” Gallagher said wireless carriers have been actively promoting the legislation on the Hill: “They're talking to staff. They're talking to members. They're working all the different circuits so that they know it’s a priority. I'm sensing plenty of support. We can always use more.” Gallagher also said the report of the Administration’s Spectrum Policy Initiative is on track for release the next few weeks. He said it has not yet been submitted to other agencies, including the Office of Management & Budget, for vetting before release. “The clearance process can move quickly,” he said.