House Budget Temporarily Blocks Reconciliation Package With Spectrum Language
The House Budget Committee voted 21-16 Friday against advancing Republicans’ combined “One Big, Beautiful Bill” budget reconciliation measure, which includes Commerce Committee-cleared spectrum language (see 2505140062). House Commerce's measure would restore the FCC's lapsed auction authority through the end of FY 2034 and requires the commission to sell at least 600 MHz of reallocated airwaves within six years (see 2505120058). Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz of Texas and some other Republicans are eyeing alternative spectrum language (see 2505130059).
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Five of House Budget’s most conservative Republicans joined all Democrats in opposing the combined reconciliation measure, casting doubt on whether GOP leaders can pass it in the lower chamber before the Memorial Day recess, which begins May 23.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., had intended to bring the reconciliation package to the Rules Committee Monday to set the stage for floor votes this week. House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, said he intended to try to advance the measure out of the committee again Monday in hopes that negotiations over the weekend would produce a deal that will also pass muster with the GOP’s most conservative and moderate members.