Chairman Pai's Response to Members of Congress Regarding the First Amendment

On October 23, 2017, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai responded to multiple Members of Congress regarding First Amendment freedoms and the independence of the FCC. Numerous lawmakers, notably House Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Communications Subcommittee Ranking Member Michael Doyle (D-PA), and Rep Anna Eshoo (D-CA), had written to Chairman Pai over the influence of a radio network funded by the Russian government being used on U.S. airwaves to influence the 2016 presidential election. Rep Eshoo also wrote to Chairman Pai in a separate letter noting concern for President Donald Trump's suggestion that the broadcast license of NBC "must be challenged, and if appropriate, revoked." In his response, Chairman Pai wrote, "As a strong supporter of the First Amendment and the FCC's independence, I can assure you that under my leadership the Commission's review of any broadcast license renewal or broadcast license transfer application will not be impacted by political pressure from the Executive Branch. I also committed, in a March 17, 2017 letter to Democrats serving on the Senate [Commerce Committee], that I would inform them and the public if there were any attempt by the Executive Branch to influence my decision-making with respect to any media interests with the FCC's jurisdiction, a commitment that clearly includes broadcast license renewal and transfer applications. I am happy to expand that commitment to include informing you as well if there is any such attempt by the Executive Branch to influence my decision-making on these matters."