FCC Process Reforms Receive Widespread Support

The House Commerce Committee began consideration of the Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act and the Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act, which aim to improve the way the FCC operates by strengthening transparency and predictability. A wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from small community-based communications providers, state utility commissioners, wireless associations and providers, broadcasters, and cable associations, lauded these reforms that help the American public and regulated parties interact with the FCC.

“Today’s fast-changing marketplace requires careful deliberation before government intervention,” said Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), Chairman of the House Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. “The communications industry is one of the few sectors still firing on all cylinders in this economy, the market is more competitive than it has ever been before, and the underlying technologies and business models are evolving at a rapid and accelerating pace. The FCC has improved its processes under Chairman Genachowski; however, even this commission has overreached its statutory authority and been less than open and transparent in its rulemaking, and we need to lock in reform with legislation to ensure that good government practices continue from one administration to the next.”