Sen Thune Announces FCC Reauthorization Act Introduction

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) announced the introduction of the Federal Communications Commission Reauthorization Act of 2016. Congress approved the last reauthorization of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1990. “The technology and communications landscape has changed dramatically since Congress last passed an update for our nation’s telecommunications regulator more than 25 years ago,” said Chairman Thune. “Restarting the process of regular authorizations for the FCC will make the agency more accountable to the American people and ensure that the agency has the right tools to do its job.” The bill:

• Authorizes the FCC for the First Time in Over Two Decades
• Provides Clarity for Commissioners’ Terms of Offices for Vacancies
• Conforms FCC Transparency to Independent Agency Best Practices
• Examines Regulatory Fee Fairness
• Avoids Disrupting E-rate Funding
• Streamlines FCC Spectrum Deposits
• Prevents Disruption of Rural Communications