FCC Chief Defends Proposal To Grow Agency’s Budget In 2023

Congressional Republicans have raised questions about the size of the Federal Communications Commission’s proposed budget for the coming fiscal year, including growing the agency’s workforce. But FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel says the Biden administration’s proposed 4.3 percent hike that would raise the budget to $390 million is “both balanced and cost-effective” and would only make staffing levels “roughly equivalent” to the agency’s staffing in 2016. “Ensuring appropriate spending levels to support the congressional mandates is a top priority for the agency,” said Rosenworcel in a letter to GOP lawmakers. “Moreover, I believe the American people deserve a technologically savvy and capable FCC, with the resources to handle a fast-evolving communications landscape and ensure that our nation remains globally competitive.” The additional funding would grow the FCC’s total workforce, which has shrunk to some of the smallest numbers seen in decades. Biden proposes raising the FCC staff level to 1,600 in 2022, up 128 from its current 1,472 full-timers. The proposal says the additional staff is needed in order for the FCC to meet its “mission demands” in the coming year. They would be paid for by a mix of regulatory fees, spectrum auctions, and other budget authorizations given to the FCC to raise money.