Panel Backs Anti-Spoofing, Spectrum Bills
The House Energy and Commerce Committee Wednesday approved legislation that would make it illegal to falsify caller identification information, a practice known as "spoofing," while also backing two bills to improve the allocation of spectrum.
The anti-spoofing bill would make it illegal to use technology to transmit "misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud or deceive." The bill would provide an exception for law enforcement or national security purposes. "Caller ID spoofing has emerged as a useful tool for identity thieves and other scam artists," Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee ranking member Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., said. "These nefarious actions are the target of the bill."
The committee also approved two spectrum-related bills. One would require the FCC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to conduct an inventory of the radio spectrum currently being used by both public and private entities and make recommendations about whether some spectrum should be reallocated or shared. The panel approved a substitute amendment to address some national security and intelligence concerns raised by the Obama administration and other issues.
The second bill aims to improve the process for moving federal users off of spectrum that has been reallocated and auctioned for commercial use. The Obama administration also raised concerns with this measure such as whether agencies would have adequate resources to properly plan for relocating once new spectrum has been identified. Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., said he would attempt to address these issues before the measure goes to the House floor.
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