Hearing of the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee - FCC Reauthorization: Improving Commission Transparency Part II
Hearing
Thank you Chairman Walden and welcome to our witnesses. I know all of you have
been here before to help us with these issues. I appreciate your coming back.
This is the second time in the past few weeks that this subcommittee has focused on
perceived shortcomings at the FCC. At our hearing a couple of weeks ago, we heard testimony
from FCC Chairman Wheeler about the extensive work he has already done to update the FCC's
internal processes. But more can always be done. That is why Chairman Wheeler committed to
us that he would continue to work with his fellow Commissioners to comprehensively review all
of the internal procedures at the agency.
We also heard at the last hearing that the Democratic members of this subcommittee had
a number of concerns with the FCC process reform proposals the Republicans put forward. The
most serious concern was that those proposals run counter to the repeated warnings from legal
experts that creating agency-specific reforms invite lawsuits, which create uncertainty and deter
investment.
But rather than simply throw our hands up in opposition, we offered an alternative
approach to keep the FCC fast, efficient, and transparent. Our commonsense proposals would
keep the FCC as agile as the industries it regulates without sparking years of legal uncertainty.
I hope the Republicans understand our concerns, and I am grateful that Chairman Walden
is willing to give some of our proposals a fair hearing. I am disappointed, however, that this
hearing does not include all of our proposals--including the one presented by Mr. Yarmuth.
Transparency should extend to the political process as well as the FCC's internal
process. That is why our alternative package includes a way to ensure that the public knows who
is paying for expensive political ads on TV. Americans deserve to know who is using the
public's airwaves to influence political debates. Transparency should not stop at the doors of the
FCC.
Thank you. I would now like to yield the remainder of my time to Rep. Matsui.
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