#SubCommTech Conducts Oversight Hearing with FCC Commissioners

Statement

The Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, chaired by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), today held a hearing conducting oversight of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) featuring testimony from all five commissioners. During the hearing, #SubCommTech members examined a range of important communications issues, including broadband expansion, the commission's response in the wake of the recent natural disasters, net neutrality, process reforms, and more.

Chairman Blackburn highlighted some of the FCC's priorities and urged them to remain focused, "The latest Twitter "scandal' is an attempt to distract both the Commission and the American people from the FCC's real work: delivering on its mission to unleash American innovation. … We are waiting for important reforms to address the media ownership rules, the Lifeline program, the imperatives of expanding rural broadband and restoring a free and open Internet, and we want to see them by the end of this year."

Full Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) touched on a number of important issues in his opening statement, in particular the commission's work in light of the recent devastating natural disasters, "Although some of the affected areas are almost back up to speed, thanks to a lot of hard work on the part of both industry and government, we are facing enormous challenges in restoring essential services in other areas. We appreciate the commission's efforts to streamline permitting, advance funding, and provide much needed assistance."

In response to Chairman Walden's question about process reform, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai explained the changes made: "One of the things that Commissioner O'Reilly and I noticed in the minority was that if one of us, or both of us, requested that an item that was reportedly going to be done on delegated authority, if we requested that item be considered by the full commission, that my predecessor would typically ignore that. And so, I said if there are two commissioners who want to handle something on the full commission level, we will do that."

FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly gave an update on spectrum policy, stating, "I am pleased to say that the Commission is likely to release additional millimeter wave spectrum in the coming months as a result of a deal I struck with the preceding Chairman. My overall goal of this work is to position the United States and our wireless carriers for overall success in the coming years."

Commissioner Brendan Carr emphasized the important role the FCC plays in expanding broadband deployment, noting, "Whether it is the workers that manufacture and deploy broadband infrastructure, the app economy that runs over high-speed networks, or the businesses that use these connections to reach customers around the world, broadband can harness the talents of all Americans, create good-paying jobs, and help drive our nation's economic growth."

For more information on today's hearing, including a background memo, witness testimony, and archived webcast, click HERE.

Source