Budget Cuts Could ‘Devastate’ FCC

FCC Chairman Bill Kennard says the FCC would have to downsize if the House version of the commission’s fiscal year 2001 budget passes Congress later this year. The FCC asked for $237 million for FY 2001. The House has proposed cutting that amount to about $207 million, said an FCC spokesman.
Kennard said the lower figure would leave the FCC without enough resources to finish several projects, including completing the move to electronic filing. It’s still early in the budget negotiation process, Kennard said, adding the FCC’s prospects look better in the Senate.
Leslie Stimson