February 20, 2012         

Contact: Mike Ward
Phone: (202) 225-5037
E-mail: Mike.Ward@mail.house.gov

Another Red Tape Rollback Victory
Rokita Lauds FCC’s LightSquared Decision

Washington, DC – Representative Todd Rokita applauds commonsense roll back of LightSquared network proposal.

“Upon the original FCC decision to grant approval of the LightSquared-4G LTE network, many Hoosiers came forward to make their voices heard through my Red Tape Rollback program. 

I was first contacted by a small surveyor company in the 4th District.  More came forward: John Deere dealers from across the state, water transportation enthusiasts, pilots, truck drivers, logistics companies, and everyday Hoosier motorists.  These Hoosiers opposed this proposal because of the interference it would cause to the vital GPS network.

I, along with my colleagues in the General Aviation Caucus, authored letters to the FCC and House Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton seeking a halt to LightSquared’s grant due to its safety and economic risks to Hoosiers.  This proposal was not only a risk to our economy and safety, but it was one more favor paid to a donor to the President’s election campaign.

Due to the pressure from Hoosiers, and my House colleagues, the FCC re-evaluated the potential harm that could be caused by this network and reversed its earlier decision.  It was clear LightSquared would all but cripple the GPS network, killing jobs and endangering Hoosiers – a risk taxpayers should not be forced to invest in.

I applaud this decision by the FCC to rescind its decision and to block the nationwide expansion of LightSquared.  I will continue to fight aggressive expansion of government regulation and call into question potential political favors like the LightSquared grant application.”

Representative Todd Rokita represents Indiana’s 4th Congressional District and operates the Red Tape Rollback initiative in conjunction with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.  For more information on Red Tape Rollback, visit: rokita.house.gov/redtape. 

###