Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) is facing backlash for his support of auctioning off government-controlled electromagnetic spectrum. The debate pits major cellular service providers against cable companies and the Pentagon, highlighting how lobbying in both directions could generate substantial federal revenue.
The organization Patriots for American Security has launched ads criticizing Cruz over his backing of spectrum auctions. These advertisements illustrate the intensity of this fight in Washington.
The ad features a picture of Cruz and claims, “President Trump: Don’t let Senator Ted Cruz give Germans a military spectrum,” asserting that T-Mobile, which it alleges is backed by the German government, seeks a military-grade spectrum in the U.S.
“T-Mobile is managed by Deutsche Telekom, the German government, which is its biggest shareholder,” the ad states.
“The same German government that dismissed America’s agenda,” the ad continues.
The ad further states, “The CEO celebrates T-Mobile,” portraying a triumph as a “wonder” of former Vice President Kamala Harris.
“President – stop giving presents,” the ad urges. “We’ll keep the U.S. spectrum secure. Build a Golden Dome.”
This ad campaign is a response to Cruz advocating for the restoration of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) authority to auction off valuable electromagnetic spectrum.
During a Senate Commerce Committee hearing in February, Cruz raised alarms about the urgent need to maintain America’s technology leadership and national security by facilitating spectrum auctions, claiming it could create millions of jobs. A press release from the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation supported this view.
“Auctions for spectrum are crucial to America’s innovation and economic growth,” Cruz stated. “These auctions have generated billions for the Treasury, enabling our wireless networks to deliver faster connectivity and spur innovations from iPhones to AI.”
In the hearing, Cruz mentioned that the U.S. is at a “critical point,” noting it’s been two years since the FCC lost its auction office and three years since the last significant auction that mattered to American consumers.
“Conversely, our spectrum innovation is lagging behind, while China, a surveillance state, threatens control over global communications,” Cruz warned.
Cruz also emphasized the significance of the Spectrum Pipeline Act, which aims to restore FCC auction authorities and address the “spectrum drought.”
“By establishing a clear pipeline for midband spectrum, American companies can secure the investment needed to lead global innovation,” Cruz explained.
John Binder of Breitbart News reported in March that Cruz was among lawmakers being approached by lobbyists from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, who were attempting to influence policy on spectrum auctions.
Insiders informed Breitbart that following Trump’s election, telecom lobbyists have been pushing lawmakers on spectrum auctions as profits decline, tapping into channels akin to immigration.
Senator Cruz is reportedly collaborating closely with wireless firms on a proposal that mandates the auction of at least 1,250 megahertz of spectrum for powerful commercial wireless services within six years.
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) cautioned in a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegses against rushing to auction this band. She noted, “Any action to auction this band risks exposing the U.S. to significant intrusions. Next time, it might not be a Chinese balloon.” Cantwell termed this decision a serious error, prioritizing short-term profitability over long-term national security.
Cantwell reinforced concerns regarding the auctioning of the 7-8 GHz bands, emphasizing their importance for national security.
Cantwell further highlighted the potential consequences of auctioning 7-8 GHz bands. “This band is critical to our national security and our capability to communicate military operations globally,” she wrote.
During his confirmation hearing, CIA Director John Ratcliffe cautioned that auctions could have implications for national security. Ratcliffe expressed the need for caution regarding public auctions that might undermine the ability to deliver precise intelligence to military commanders.
“While it may favor the telecom industry, it could compromise our defense capabilities and the president’s agenda,” a senior Pentagon official stated. “It’s a distraction and could derail our strategic objectives.”
“Cruz sometimes seems politically tone-deaf,” stated a senior White House official. “It’s odd that he supports these issues while potentially undermining two of the president’s priorities: the Golden Dome and tax cuts. And it seems to aid the Germans, who have displayed derision at the UN and the vice president’s Munich address.”
