The House Energy & Commerce Committee has sent FCC reform legislation to the full House for its consideration.
By voice vote, the committee yesterday passed H.R. 2583, the FCC Process Reform Act. Sponsored by Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), supporters say the measure will bring much-needed transparency, accountability and predictability to the commission.
“A little more sunshine at the FCC is a good thing,” said committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.).
The bill includes four amendments, encompassing three Democratic and three Republican proposals recently approved by the subcommittee. One requires the agency to publish the text of any rule within 24 hours of a vote. Another requires the commission to post on its website a description of orders made at the bureau level.
NAB praised the vote. “Creating a more efficient and transparent FCC is vitally important to helping radio and television broadcasters fulfill their mission of serving local communities. We look forward to working with all members of the committee to modernize the FCC and ensure it can perform its duties in an expeditious, fair and data-driven manner,” said NAB EVP Communications Dennis Wharton in a statement.
