House GOP: FCC is broken

House Republicans are worried the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is dysfunctional and might need a major overhaul. 

A Republican staff memo obtained by The Hill, circulated ahead of a Friday hearing that will draw all four commissioners and the chairman, raises concerns about processes at the FCC.

"Under both Democrat and Republican chairmen, the FCC has fallen into practices that weaken decision-making and jeopardize public confidence," the memo says. 

The memo proposes various reforms and raises several concerns. Among others, here are a few:

• "Under both Democrat and Republican chairmen, the FCC has fallen into practices that weaken decision-making and jeopardize public confidence."

• "The FCC does not always publish the text of proposed rules for public comment before adopting final rules, instead merely asking a collection of open-ended questions or offering a series of alternative approaches."

• "Statutory minimums for comment and reply cycles would produce better decisions and shield the FCC from pressure to rush to judgment."

• "Minimum Review Periods. Commissioners have no assurances they will be afforded sufficient time to review draft items, which are prepared at the FCC chairman’s direction."