Led by Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), top leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce launched an investigation into the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision-making process last week.
In a letter sent to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, Upton outline several instances of failed processes, citing documented cases of delayed information sharing and the use of delegated authority on commission-level decisions. The letter was co-signed by Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Tim Murphy (R-PA).
In general, the leaders are concerned with the White House influencing the FCC’s decisions on policy and procedure.
“There is no substitute for sound process,” the letter states. “Whether in the halls of Congress or the walls of federal bureaucracy the public is best served when processes are fair, open and transparent,”
The letter requested documents and other information from the FCC.
”Unfortunately, there are far too many instances where good process has been cast aside at the FCC, and American consumers and job creators suffer as a result,” the letter continued. “This investigation is another step forward in raising the curtain at the FCC as we work to ensure an open and transparent government working on behalf of all Americans. Although communications laws may be complicated, the public can easily recognize when the process is broken.”
The letter concludes by asking that the commission respond with the requested documents and data by no later than Feb. 27.