Sen. Sununu (R-N.H.) told us Tues. that the spectrum relocation t...

Sen. Sununu (R-N.H.) told us Tues. that the spectrum relocation trust fund (HR-1320) was being delayed over “questions around the structure of the funding.” The bill passed the Senate Commerce Committee after Sununu successfully added controversial language that would have given spectrum to Northpoint Communications. With that spectrum now auctioned, Sununu said the amendment was “moot” and said there’s been agreement to have the legislation include an evaluation of spectrum policy instead. Sununu said movement of the bill was now up to Commerce Chmn. McCain (R-Ariz.) and Appropriations Chmn. Stevens (R-Alaska). McCain told us Tues. that the bill was “important,” but he didn’t comment on the specifics of what’s delaying the bill. Before the House passed the bill last June (CD June 12 p1), some appropriators raised concerns about spending oversight, since the bill would allow govt. spectrum users -- namely the Defense Dept. -- to spend from a trust fund to cover relocation costs. Some appropriators raised concerns about the process, but House leaders convinced them there were appropriate oversight measures in place. Both NTIA and TIA have recently written letters to Congress pushing for the adoption of the bill (CD April 23 p5). Industry sources have said NTIA has stepped up efforts to get the bill passed before the congressional session ends. One industry source said the Administration wants to put another technology- centered bill on the President’s agenda before the election.