Rep. Walden: FCC feels like 'tool of the White House'

Rep Greg Walden (R-OR), chairman of House Commerce Committee's communications subcommittee, said he plans to push ahead with legislation that would overhaul how the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) operates.

He emphasized that the FCC only has the authority that Congress gives it. "It's beginning to feel like it's another tool of the White House," Chairman Walden said at a briefing for reporters. He expects the full Commerce Committee to mark up the FCC overhaul bills on Feb. 7. Chairman Walden said the legislation would improve transparency and openness at the FCC, but Democrats argue the measures are really about hamstringing the agency's power to adopt new regulations and oversee corporate mergers. When asked whether he thinks the legislation has any chance of passing the Democratic-controlled Senate, Chairman Walden said, "I would hope that Senate would be supportive."