Schatz Statement on FCC Funding

Washington, D.C. – Today, congressional appropriators released a bipartisan spending deal that guarantees the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will have the budget it needs to fulfill its mission and ensure that the American people have access to leading edge communications services.  U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Ranking Member of the Commerce Committee’s Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet Subcommittee, supported the FCC’s full funding request through the appropriations process which is now reflected in the final deal.

“I’m pleased we were able to help secure the FCC’s budget,” said Senator Schatz.  “The FCC must be properly funded to protect consumers, enable continued private sector competition and investment in the nation’s communications networks, and to support continued innovation in new internet based services, content, and tools.  These are the necessary building blocks to ensure access, active participation, and success in a 21st century economy”.

The FCC is funded at $340 million. The House and Senate appropriation committees had initially voted for budgets of $315 million and $320 million respectively. The budget also includes $44 million in directed spending for the FCC’s move to new facilities. As communications technology has become important to our economy and daily lives, the role of the FCC has grown more prominent.  This important investment is a reflection that the FCC must continue to invest in the expertise, facilities, capabilities, and infrastructure to perform its functions.