It was only a matter of time before the current Congress held one.
An FCC oversight hearing has been placed on the calendar by the now-Republican controlled House Energy and Commerce Committee.
The announcement came on Wednesday from Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-Ohio).
The Communications and Technology Subcommittee is officially holding the hearing, scheduled for June 21 at 10:30am Eastern in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building.
And, with a nomination of Anna Gomez as the FCC’s long-awaited fifth Commissioner coming up for a vote in the Senate, McMorris Rodgers and Latta will be taking a tone that will focus on the accomplishments of a four-member body focused on broadband. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has been an outspoken champion of digital parity across the U.S.
Latta and McMorris Rodgers said in a joint statement, “The FCC is vital to connecting Americans to reliable, affordable, broadband services. In recent years, the commission has distributed tens of billions of taxpayer dollars toward closing the digital divide. To aid this effort, Congress tasked the FCC with developing new, updated broadband maps. The FCC is also responsible for regulating commercial wireless usage, ensuring a vibrant media marketplace, cracking down on illegal robocalls, and ensuring the reliability of emergency communication.
“As the committee with jurisdiction over the FCC, the Energy and Commerce Committee has a responsibility to the American people to ensure the agency is being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and faithfully following Congressional intent. We look forward to hearing from Chair Rosenworcel and the other FCC commissioners about their efforts to carry out the Commission’s mission of boosting Americans’ broadband access and strengthening U.S. communications leadership.”
