Industry leaders and respected policy institutions praise the directive as a win for American innovation, competitiveness, and consumer connectivity

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  In case you missed it, leaders across the telecommunications industry and respected tech and economic policy voices endorsed the Senate Commerce Committee’s spectrum provision. The proposal, expected to be included in the Senate budget reconciliation text, marks a historic milestone by creating the largest spectrum pipeline ever and generating an estimated $85 billion for American taxpayers. Reinstating spectrum auction authority will boost the American economy, answer consumer demands, and strengthen American leadership in wireless technologies, while preserving key national security interests.

Last week, Sen. Cruz released the Senate Commerce Committee’s portion of the Senate Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill. President Donald Trump applauded Sen. Cruz for negotiating a spectrum deal with Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

As Sen. Cruz has previously stated, “The Commerce Committee section invests in bold and transformational policies that will positively impact Americans now and for generations to come. Senate Republicans are fixing the aging air traffic control system, rebuilding the Coast Guard to secure our maritime border against deadly drugs and illegal immigration, ensuring the U.S. – not China – gets to Mars and gets back to the Moon first, and turbocharging economic activity with expanded commercial access to spectrum. These provisions fulfill the mandate given to President Trump and Congressional Republicans by the voters: to unleash America’s full economic potential and keep her safe from enemies.”

Below is a sampling of statements in support of Senate Commerce’s spectrum language in reconciliation: 

Americans for Tax Reform: “The Senate Commerce reconciliation bill makes even more spectrum available for auction than the House version. We should auction off as much government spectrum as possible. Great work by [Sen. Cruz] negotiating this deal.”

AT&T: “By renewing the FCC’s auction authority and creating a pipeline of mid-band spectrum, the Senate is taking a strong step toward meeting consumers’ insatiable demand for mobile data. This language represents a reasonable compromise that will help avoid network congestion and maintain U.S. leadership in wireless innovation while protecting critical federal government missions. We applaud Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz, Majority Leader John Thune, and Sen. Marsha Blackburn for their work on this issue, and we thank President Trump for his leadership in making this a reconciliation priority.”

CTIA – The Wireless Association: “Senator Cruz’s inclusion of a robust spectrum pipeline alongside renewal of FCC spectrum auction authority is critical to restoring America’s leadership in wireless and innovation. His bold approach answers President Trump’s call to keep all options on the table and provides the President with full flexibility to identify the right bands to meet surging consumer demand, safeguard our economic competitiveness, and protect national security. I want to thank Senators Cruz, Thune, and Blackburn for demonstrating the courage we need, and I urge Congress to move swiftly to pass this legislation and ensure all Americans benefit from world-leading wireless connectivity.”

Digital Liberty: “This pipeline consists of 500MHz of government-held spectrum the private sector should have... This is a great step forward for innovation.”

Digital Progress Institute: “The bill would open up 800 MHz of prime spectrum... All of this doesn't even include other revenue-generating opportunities, like further auctions in the C-Band or a potential broadcast incentive auction. Big win, if passed!”

Economic Policy Innovation Center: “[Sen. Cruz] has done incredible work that will build a spectrum pipeline, keep America ahead of China, foster innovation, increase economic growth, and will surely deliver more than $85 billion in revenue as @EPICforAmerica analysis has suggested.”

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr: “President Trump has locked in another great win for the country. Freeing up spectrum is key to America’s economic prosperity & national security.  It also ensures that every community has a fair shot at next-gen connectivity. But during the Biden years, the U.S. completely stalled out on spectrum, threatening to cede leadership positions to foreign nations. Thank you to Chairman [Cruz] for his strong and steadfast leadership and work to secure this important deal.”

Former FCC Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth: “I commend Chairman Cruz, Leader Thune, and Senator Blackburn for advancing a decisive and economically sound spectrum provision in the reconciliation package. Renewing the FCC’s auction authority and establishing a clear pipeline of mid-band spectrum are critical steps toward restoring America’s leadership in wireless innovation. Underutilized federal spectrum is a drag on economic growth—this proposal wisely puts that spectrum to work for the American people. It’s a smart, market-driven reform that deserves swift congressional approval.”

Free State Foundation: “The #BigBeautifulBill contains imp't provisions that would renew [FCC]  #spectrum auction authority and create a #spectrum pipeline for #5G... Good for the economy and national security.”

Hispanic Leadership Fund: “Good that Senate proposal includes 800mHz of spectrum in future auctions and makes sure that it is put to ‘productive use’ to further the public good.”

Information Technology & Innovation Foundation: “Another thing the [Sen. Cruz] – [Sen. Thune] – [Sen. Blackburn] spectrum provisions get right is the point of spectrum auctions: ensuring ‘productive use’ of spectrum.”

NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association: “For years, the lapse in FCC spectrum auction authority and the absence of a clear spectrum pipeline have hindered our workforce and delayed deployment of next-generation Internet infrastructure. Chairman Cruz’s legislative initiative addresses these challenges head-on, paving the way for enhanced wireless infrastructure deployments by NATE member contractor firms across the nation. By unlocking additional spectrum for commercial use, this proposal will enable our member companies to expand and upgrade wireless networks, ensuring that America remains at the forefront of global connectivity. This is not just about faster internet; it’s about empowering communities, fostering innovation, and securing economic growth.”

National Taxpayers Union: “Kudos to [Sen. Cruz] & [Senate Commerce Committee]... Cuts the deficit by $40B, opens more wireless spectrum for private use.”

Recon Analytics: “Great job by [Sen. Thune], [Sen. Cruz], and [Sen. Wicker] in advancing the spectrum pipeline that the United States needs.”

R Street Institute: “Great to see spectrum authority and a pipeline in the Senate reconciliation bill. Spectrum drives next-generation technologies. Without access to more spectrum, American innovation is at risk in an increasingly competitive world.”

T-Mobile: “T-Mobile applauds Chairman Cruz’s leadership renewing the FCC’s auction authority and establishing a strong spectrum pipeline for America’s 5G and 6G networks. T-Mobile additionally appreciates Leader Thune and Senator Blackburn’s commitment to strong spectrum policy – all these efforts will drive our nation’s economic success.”

Verizon: “Verizon appreciates Chairman Cruz's leadership in achieving a bold spectrum compromise alongside Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, and Senator Marsha Blackburn. Chairman Cruz's legislation establishes a strong framework for restoring auction authority and creating a pipeline of 800 megahertz of spectrum that will enable wireless carriers to fuel US economic growth, meet consumer demand for broadband competition and connectivity, and lead the world in next-generation wireless technology. This spectrum proposal, combined with extending President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, will grow the economy, encourage continued capital investment, restore essential investments in R&D, and advance our critical national security interests, especially with regard to competition against China and other global peers. Verizon encourages Congress to move the budget reconciliation process forward swiftly.”

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