WASHINGTON, DC - The Communications and Technology Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), today held a hearing continuing its ongoing oversight of the Federal Communications Commission. All five FCC commissioners testified and members examined the waste, fraud, and abuse within the Universal Service Lifeline program, the agency’s proposed privacy rules, and the FCC’s set-top box proposal, among other things.
Chairman Walden asked Commissioner Ajit Pai to talk in more detail on the waste, fraud, and abuse within the Lifeline program. Pai noted in his response that, “Thus far, I’ve uncovered five different species of fraud." Pai’s witness testimony went into more detail on his investigation, stating, “Hard-working Americans deserve to know that the money they contribute each month to the Fund is not wasted or put to fraudulent use. … Although my investigation is still ongoing, initial results suggest that American taxpayers should be concerned. The extent of waste, fraud, and abuse in the program appears greater than I imagined."
Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) asked for an update on FCC process reform and the task forces formed to examine FCC processes in which Commissioner O’Reilly replied, “On process reform… we’ve gotten absolutely nowhere. The chairman says that a lot of these are good ideas but we can’t get any of them to move forward."
Committee member and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) discussed the innovation that has occurred in the marketplace and cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to the FCC’s set-top box proposal. He went on to ask, “Have you started looking closer at maybe, different alternatives including app-based technologies as opposed to just looking at different ways to distribute through this archaic device as the industry is looking at different innovations that are even more convenient for consumers?"
“Today marked our sixth oversight hearing, with another likely to come in September," said Chairman Walden. “Calls for openness and transparency have gone unanswered, certain agency proposals place undue burdens on consumers and broadband providers, and rampant abuse continues to plague the Lifeline program. It’s our important responsibility to maintain stringent oversight of the FCC moving forward."
Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) concluded, “Resolving concerns about rural call completion, successfully completing the incentive auction, and preventing waste, fraud, and abuse in the Universal Service Fund should be bipartisan issues. Let’s continue working to do better. There is much at stake, and we all want a flourishing and functioning, truly independent agency to help guide our economy for years to come."
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See Also
* Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission
