FCC’s Pai, Clyburn Butt Heads Over Cost Cutting at Senate Budget Hearing

Federal Communications Chairman Ajit Pai told members of the Senate that the Commission is moving ahead with cost-cutting initiatives that are already on track to save $1.1 million annually. But while Chairman Pai touted efforts to slash costs, Commissioner Mignon Clyburn said the FCC is operating with a skeleton crew of employees, noting staffing levels are at their lowest point in 30 years.

While efficiencies have been created in some departments, the reduced staffing has forced other employees to double their workloads, often with little or no change in compensation, she said. Commissioner Clyburn noted a recent Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey showed nearly 40 percent of FCC employees feel they don’t have enough resources to get their jobs done. Further budget cuts will exacerbate this crunch, she said, which will be a big problem in terms of allowing the FCC to carry out its function.