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WASHINGTON, DC — As first reported in the Broadband Breakfast, Congressmen August Pfluger (TX-11) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) license review process.
For too long, license reviews at the FCC have gotten tangled up in slow, opaque processes with no clear end in sight. Without firm deadlines or meaningful transparency requirements, reviews can drag on for years, discouraging the very investment needed to close the digital divide in underserved regions and leaving businesses, workers, and consumers in limbo.
"FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and the Trump administration have been working tirelessly to modernize the FCC's review process to encourage investment, lower costs, and expand access to better serve communities that have been left behind for too long. The Keep It Moving Act supports this goal and ensures that the FCC reviews applications based on the facts and acts within a reasonable timeframe for years and administrations to come," said Rep. Pfluger. "Proud to lead this legislation alongside Rep. Gottheimer to help deliver better service and lower costs for hardworking families across West Texas and the rest of the country."
Specifically, the Keep It Moving Act would:
· Establish strict timelines for the FCC’s review process, removing artificial delays and bringing greater transparency and oversight to how applications are handled.
· Require a full Commission vote to deny any application, ensuring consequential decisions are made by confirmed commissioners accountable to Congress and the American people — not by unelected bureaucrats acting behind closed doors.
Text of this legislation is availablehere.
Read more about the Keep it Moving Act in the Broadband Breakfast here.
This legislation is supported by several key outside groups, who released the following statements of support:
Hon. Cory Gardner, President & CEO of NCTA, The Internet & Television Association, said, “WecommendReps. Pfluger and Gottheimer for introducing the Keep it Moving Act and promoting administrative efficiency and procedural certainty in the context of regulatory review. We look forward to working with them and all Members of Congress on this important issue.”
Kelly Cole, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at CTIA, said, "CTIA believes that streamlining outdated and burdensome regulations is essential for America to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace. We commend Representatives Pfluger and Gottheimer for introducing the Keep It Moving Act and recognizing the need to remove unnecessary barriers and delays, which will help foster innovation and ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in wireless technology.”
Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO at NAB, said, "The National Association of Broadcasters applauds Congressmen Pfluger and Gottheimer for introducing this common-sense and long-overdue legislation. As we have said previously, FCC licensees, and especially local television and radio broadcasters, need certainty that transactions before the Commission will receive a fair hearing and be acted upon in a timely manner. The Keep it Moving Act would provide that clarity and predictability. We look forward to working with Congressmen Pfluger and Gottheimer as this legislation advances and appreciate their leadership in leveling the playing field so local stations can continue serving their communities.”
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