Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios
The Senate Commerce Committee's markup of spectrum legislation scheduled for Tuesday has been delayed for the fourth time.
Why it matters: The Spectrum and National Security Act would return auction authority to the FCC and funnel proceeds to the now-defunct Affordable Connectivity Program and other tech priorities.
State of play: The Commerce and Defense departments, and the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, last week had a breakthrough agreement on Commerce Chair Maria Cantwell's legislation.
- But the markup is now off, the committee announced on Monday night.
- Cantwell: "We had a chance to secure affordable broadband for millions of Americans, but [Ranking Member Ted] Cruz said 'no.'"
- "Rather than fixing our internet security issues, creating more broadband competition, and fostering cooperation between defense and commercial users, Senator Cruz, instead, is stoking culture wars."
What they're saying: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also blamed Cruz for the cancellation.
- "Senator Cruz has chosen to obstruct and delay the committee process with petty partisan culture wars all to serve wealthy and well-connected corporations at the cost of working Americans who are struggling to get by," Schumer said in a statement.
- Cruz's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
