DARS auctions will help underwrite federal agencies; appropriations bill narrowly avoids funding expiration.(FY 1997 appropriations bill requires Federal Communications Commission to auction digital radio satellite licenses to raise money)(Brief Article)

Broadcasting & Cable, October, 1996 by Fleming, Heather

Just hours before funding for the Commerce Department, the FCC and several other government agencies expired, President Clinton last week signed FY '97 appropriations legislation into law. Money raised from digital audio radio satellite (DARS) license auctions will help foot the bill. The bill requires the FCC to begin auctioning the licenses by April 15, 1997, with the revenue to be deposited in the federal treasury by September 30.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the auctions will raise $2.9 billion. House and Senate negotiators split the difference on funding for the FCC, giving it $189.08 million for the fiscal year - 43.46 million more than the House sought, but less than the Senate request. The commission got none of the...

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