Clyburn: FCC plan not incongruous with telecom overhaul

Citing "calluses" that have prepared her to speak out on Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski's controversial plan to boost agency authority over phone and cable companies, fellow FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn tried to quash fears that the proposal could have harmful and far-reaching repercussions during a speech at the Media Institute on June 3.

"While some may consider [speaking out on] this topic unsafe, even perilous, I figure that if I can survive a meeting with 30-plus Wall Streeters on the subject a couple of weeks ago, then I have developed the calluses necessary for a friendly lunch on the subject," she said. Addressing a claim issued by scores of GOP congressional members over the last week, Clyburn said legislative action to streamline how broadband is regulated would not be incongruous with the FCC's plan. In fact, congressional action would be "wise," Commissioner Clyburn said, and could be "complimentary" to FCC action.