The following comes from Derek Riker, KB3JLF, of Chwat & Co. Dave K1ZZ --- Today the full House Energy & Commerce Committee approved an amended version of H.R. 1320, the Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act sponsored by Rep. Upton (R-MI). The bill, which was approved by voice vote included a new section, likely at the behest of Rep. Markey (D-MA), which explicitly spells out that the bill would not limit the FCC from reallocating spectrum from federal use to unlicensed or public safety use. In addition, it requires NTIA to prepare a report on how federal users would be compensated if their spectrum was reallocated for unlicensed or public safety use. Now for the important news. During the mark, Rep. Bilirakis (R-FL), asked to speak before HR 1320 was considered. The Congressman then spent about 5 minutes discussing the importance of amateur radio and his bill, HR 713. He finally concluded by asking Chairman Upton whether he would consider HR 713 before the Subcommittee this year. Chairman Upton replied in the affirmative, going further to say that he too is interested in protecting amateur radio and that at some point later this spring or early this summer he intends on holding a hearing on public safety spectrum needs. He assured Rep. Bilirakis that not only would they address his legislation at the hearing, but that he also will provide a witness opportunity for a member of the amateur radio community to appear on the panel. This is an exciting step in getting our bill passed this Congress. As you know, having a bill considered during a hearing is instrumental in providing the necessary credibility towards having it marked up later. I'll be in touch with Rep. Bilirakis' staff in the coming weeks as a more detailed outline of the subcommittee's plan for when the hearing may be held becomes available. Derek