Thune Wants To Introduce, Mark Up FCC Reauthorization Act 'in the Coming Weeks'

diverse constituencies who are increasingly affected by a regulatory agency with a nearly half billion dollar budget,” Thune will say. “It’s time for this Committee to get back to regularly authorizing the Commission as part of its normal course of business. To that end, in the next few days, I will introduce the FCC Reauthorization Act of 2016, and it is my intent to mark up the bill in the coming weeks.” Thune was ready last summer with such FCC reauthorization legislation, which contained FCC process overhaul provisions. He never formally introduced the bill due to struggles in getting backing from ranking member Bill Nelson, D-Fla. (see 1510130039). FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and the four other commissioners will testify. The GOP staff memo for the hearing listed many topics for the hearing, set for 10 a.m. in 253 Russell: “Policy topics likely to be discussed during the hearing include Internet regulations, universal service program reform, spectrum auctions, and pay-TV set-top box regulations.” The memo detailed such topics as broadband privacy rules, stand-alone broadband support and set-top box regulation. “It is likely that Chairman Wheeler will advocate for more funding for NG9-1-1 efforts during this hearing,” the memo said. “To date, the Commission has offered few specific legislative proposals to implement the broad suggestions outlined by the Chairman.”