Deal on spectrum approaches

Negotiators appeared to have completed work on the spectrum portion that will be included in a payroll tax cut deal.

After negotiating late into the night, details of the spectrum language were emerging Thursday morning and lawmakers were aiming for a vote in the House by the end of the week. The deal would free up more spectrum for wireless broadband technologies. It would give the Federal Communications Commission authority to conduct incentive auctions that would pay broadcasters to give up some of their spectrum.

It also provides resources to build a national broadband network for public safety and funding for next-generation 911 services, according to House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology ranking member Anna Eshoo, D-Calif.

"It's a non-partisan issue and represents an historic step forward for safety and efficiency," Vince Morris, spokesman for the Senate Commerce Committee said in a statement Thursday.