Dingell: ‘The FCC Appears to Be Broken’
Federal Communications Commission Hammered in House Telecommunications & Internet Subcommittee Hearing
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/5/2007 7:54:00 AM EST
As expected, the Federal Communications Commission got hammered in a House Telecommunications & Internet Subcommittee hearing Wednesday over criticisms of its process.
Leading the charge was Energy & Commerce Committee chairman John Dingell (D-Mich.).
“In recent months, we have heard about many FCC agenda meetings postponed all day while closed-door negotiations on important public matters are conducted," Dingell said in his opening statement. "We have witnessed too much sniping among the five commissioners, and we have heard too many tales of a short-circuited decision-making process. In sum, the FCC appears to be broken."
That last shot echoed the sentiments of National Cable & Telecommunications Association president Kyle McSlarrow in recent comments to reporters.
"We cannot let this situation continue," Dingell said, adding that this is why he asked the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations to look into how the FCC is doing its business.
Dingell said the buck stops with Martin, but the change must come from all of the commissioners. "[Each] commissioner, including those on the Democratic side, is also responsible for ensuring that the agency works effectively for the American people,” he added. “This means good-faith efforts to discuss differences and seek common ground. It will require honest efforts to work together and negotiate.”
He continued, "I remind the commissioners that they are appointed to faithfully interpret the laws. Agency proceedings should not be a forum to pursue personal agendas."
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