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HR 707 103th Congress House

Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1993

Official title: To establish procedures to improve the allocation and assignment of the electromagnetic spectrum, and for other purposes.

Introduced: February 2, 1993 See on congress.gov
Government Operations and Politics Cost controlFederal advisory bodiesRadio spectrum allocationTelecommunication industryTelecommunication policy
This bill died when the 103rd Congress ended
It never became law before the 103rd Congress (1993–1994) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 18 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Mar 3, 1993
Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Mar 2, 1993
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Mar 2, 1993
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 - 5 (Roll no. 46).
Mar 2, 1993
Considered as unfinished business. (CR H950)
Mar 2, 1993
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 5, rule I, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Mar 2, 1993
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Mar 2, 1993
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H936-942)
Mar 2, 1993
Mr. Markey moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Feb 24, 1993
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 8.
Feb 24, 1993
Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 103-19.
Feb 23, 1993
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Feb 23, 1993
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Feb 4, 1993
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Feb 4, 1993
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Feb 4, 1993
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Feb 4, 1993
Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance.
Feb 2, 1993
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Feb 2, 1993
Introduced in House
 Votes taken on this bill 1
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
Mar 2, 1993 House · vote #46 SUSPEND THE RULES AND PASS Passed 410–5 See who voted →
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 Latest action March 3, 1993

Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1993 - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct, at least biannually, and to report to specified congressional committees, the FCC, and the Secretary of Commerce annually on, joint electromagnetic spectrum planning with respect to: (1) future spectrum requirements for public and private uses and the allocation actions to accommodate those uses; and (2) actions to promote the efficient use of the spectrum.

Directs the Secretary to submit to the President and the Congress a report identifying bands of frequencies that: (1) are allocated on a primary basis for Government use and eligible for licensing pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act); (2) are not required for the present or identifiable future needs of the Government; (3) can be made available for use under the Act (other than for Government stations); (4) are most likely to have the greatest potential for productive uses and public benefits; and (5) will not result in excessive costs to the Government or losses of services or benefits to the public. Prohibits withdrawal of the assignment of frequencies to any Federal power agency.

Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report which makes a preliminary identification of reallocable bands of frequencies.

Directs the Secretary to convene an advisory committee to assist in carrying out this Act.

Directs the President, after receiving the final report, to: (1) withdraw the assignment to a Government station of any frequency which such report recommends for reallocation; (2) withdraw or limit the assignment to a Government station of any frequency which such report recommends be reallocated or made available for mixed use; (3) assign or reassign other frequencies to Government stations as necessary to adjust to such withdrawal or limitation of assignments; and (4) notify the FCC and the Congress of actions taken. Authorizes the President to substitute alternative frequencies in the interest of national defense, important governmental needs, public health or safety, or Federal financial considerations.

Directs the FCC to submit to the President and the Congress a plan for the distribution of the reallocated frequency bands.

Authorizes the President to reclaim reassigned frequencies for reassignment to Government stations. Authorizes appropriations.

 Related & companion bills 1
 Bill text 4 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 707: Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1993. 103rd Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-707/
MLA
"H.R. 707: Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1993." 103rd Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-707/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 707, 103rd Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-707/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 707: Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1993](https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-707/)
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