Congressional Republicans are putting pressure on the Federal Communications Commission to pause work on controversial items following the recent election. Sen. Ted Cruz [R-Texas] and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers [R-Wash.] have both sent what are known as “pencils down” letters to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, urging the agency to focus only on non-controversial matters until the new administration takes office. Even FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, considered to be the frontrunner to replace Rosenworcel as head of the FCC in the new administration, is urging the regulator to hit the pause button for the next two months.
What they’re saying:
- Sen. Cruz: In his letter dated November 7, Cruz emphasized the need for the FCC to stop work on any “partisan or controversial matters under consideration or in progress” and focus solely on uncontroversial issues or those that require action by law. Cruz noted that this request aligns with the norms set during previous transitions of power.
- Rep. Rodgers: On November 6, she echoed this sentiment, urging the FCC to pursue bipartisan, consensus items. She emphasized the importance of respecting the peaceful transfer of power by halting any controversial regulatory moves.
- Carr: The FCC’s senior Republican commissioner, Brendan Carr, also called for a stand-down on controversial issues until the transition is complete. Carr took to social media to congratulate President-Elect Trump and stressed the need for the FCC to focus on bipartisan issues, especially as the Senate has also flipped to Republican control.
Between the lines:
