House unanimously approves Scalise bill to streamline FCC operations, reduce reporting burdens

The House unanimously approved legislation on Monday that House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) introduced to boost the Federal Communications Commission’s operational efficiencies and reduce the burden of reporting requirements for businesses.

The Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act, H.R. 599, would amend the Federal Communications Act of 1934 to consolidate and streamline reporting obligations, reduce reporting burdens and improve congressional oversight.

“Outdated regulations shouldn’t be holding back American innovation,” Scalise said. “Each dollar spent on unnecessary FCC reporting mandates is a dollar that isn’t being spent to create jobs, boost our economy, or build infrastructure. This commonsense legislation cuts red tape by getting rid of those obsolete rules and streamlining the way the FCC operates. These reforms are long overdue, and I’m proud to lead the effort to bring the operations of the FCC into the 21st century.”

U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said the bill would streamline activity of the FCC, reduce reporting burdens and encourage the agency to analyze competition in the marketplace rather than in outdated regulatory silos.

“I thank Majority Whip Scalise for his hard work on this bill and I’m hopeful we can get it across the finish line and improve the functioning of the FCC,” Walden said.

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) also supported the bill, which has now passed through the House in four consecutive congresses.

“Whip Scalise has shown exceptional leadership on this issue and I am thankful for his work and dedication,” Blackburn, the chair of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, said. ”The American people have placed Republicans in charge of government to get rid of wasteful regulatory mandates. We will be relentless in our pursuit of this goal – especially at the FCC.”