Lawmakers plan to closely examine FCC's broadband strategy

FCC officials say more than half of the proposals laid out in its National Broadband Plan will be able to be carried out without any congressional action.

But some members of Congress are already looking forward to rolling up their sleeves and going to work on examining, picking apart and enacting the broadband provisions.

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee with jurisdiction over Internet issues, said the plan will serve as a "roadmap to...more robust, accessible broadband infrastructure."

He added: "This plan, however, is not self-executing.  It will require bipartisan support and long term commitment to implement."

Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), Kerry's counterpart in the House, also told The Hill last week that he expects Congress to assume a large oversight role over the plan and that it will need substantial approvals from Congress to proceed.

The Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet, which Boucher chairs, will hold its first hearing on the plan Thursday, March 25. All five FCC commissioners have been invited to attend.