Capitol Hill talks continued Wednesday on spectrum legislation and the...
Capitol Hill talks continued Wednesday on spectrum legislation and the payroll tax cut extension. “We've made great progress and are very close to a historic milestone -- creation of a new nationwide communications network for our first responders,” Senate Commerce…
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Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., said. “My expectation is that we will be able to include this legislative language in the compromise payroll deal that is close to being finalized. Although we continue to hash out some of the finer points of the legislation, the end result should be the same: a new communications network that will save lives and generate economic growth.” A House Commerce Committee spokeswoman said talks happened in the morning, but didn’t provide details. There may also have been talks Tuesday night involving the office of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., telecom industry lobbyists said. Spectrum is expected to be used as a “pay-for” in the payroll bill, which Congress could pass as soon as this week (CD Feb 15 p1). Wednesday morning, House Speaker John Boehner said a vote is imminent. “If the agreement comes together, like I expect it will, the House will vote this week,” said the Ohio Republican. Boehner said there is an “agreement in principle” but “there are a lot of details that are yet to be worked out,” he said: “I'm hopeful that will be wrapped up” Wednesday.