Harry Mason Reid, a combative former boxer-turned-lawyer, was widely acknowledged as one of toughest dealmakers in Congress, a conservative Democrat in an increasingly polarized chamber who vexed lawmakers of both parties with a brusque manner and this motto: “I would rather dance than fight, but I know how to fight.” Over a 34-year career in Washington, Reid thrived on behind-the-scenes wrangling and kept the Senate controlled by his party through two presidents — Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama — a crippling recession and the Republican takeover of the House after the 2010 elections.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid is voicing concerns with FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s plan to open up the market for set-top boxes. Both Senate leaders have now raised concerns with Wheeler’s proposal. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wrote a letter to Wheeler this month saying that it was unnecessary for the FCC to involve itself in an area where there is already innovation.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is holding up legislation backed by Senate Commerce Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) in an escalating war over the re-nomination of an FCC commissioner. A spokesperson suggested the hold is linked to Republicans’ unwillingness to confirm Jessica Rosenworcel for a second term.
Senators Object To House Spectrum Bill
A bipartisan quartet of U.S. senators has fired off a letter to Senate leaders Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that objects to certain elements in the House bill that would authorize TV spectrum incentive auctions, among other things. A major sticking point is the failure of the House to leave enough room for unlicensed devices.
Debt Fight Could Bring Spectrum Auctions
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s current debt ceiling plan would direct the FCC to auction off highly valuable television spectrum to wireless carriers desperate for more airwaves.
NAB Runs Full Court Press On Auction Action
Sen. Harry Reid’s debt reduction proposal would permit the FCC to conduct incentive auctions of TV spectrum and share the proceeds with broadcasters who give up spectrum, but doesn’t have safeguards that broadcasters want. NAB is lobbying against the plan, calling it “about as big a threat as there is in terms of the future of our business.”
