FCC Reform Bill Passes In Energy And Commerce Committee Vote

Process Reform Coming?

The FCC reform bill was passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee today and will now go to the floor of the full Congress for a vote.  The bill, H.R. 3675, the Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act, moved forward earlier this week when the Republican majority and Democratic minority on the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee reached a compromise (NET NEWS 12/10).

NAB EVP of Communications DENNIS WHARTON said, "NAB appreciates the efforts of the House Energy and Commerce Committee on reaching a bipartisan agreement and passing FCC process reform legislation. This bill is an important step in helping broadcasters carry out their mission to serve the public interest by making the FCC more efficient. NAB looks forward to working with the Committee and all stakeholders on ensuring the FCC can perform its duties in an expeditious and data-driven manner."

FCC Commissioner AJIT PAI said, "I applaud the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the U.S. House of Representatives for passing by voice vote H.R. 3675, the Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2013, and I commend the leaders of the Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications  and Technology -- Chairman WALDEN and Ranking Member (ANNA) ESHOO (D-CA) -- for their bipartisan efforts to advance this important legislation.  All too often, proceedings at the FCC drag on for many years, leaving consumers and businesses alike waiting for the Commission to make a decision.  This legislation adopts common-sense reforms that would help us become more responsive.  Among other things, it makes it easier for Commissioners to collaborate, requires the Commission to set deadlines for resolving certain routine issues, and asks the Commission to report back to Congress and the public on our progress in meeting those deadlines.  This is straightforward, good-government legislation, and I hope that the U.S. House and Senate will act quickly to send this bill to the President for his signature."

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