Serrano statement at hearing on FCC 2017 budget request

March 15, 2016
Press Release

Thank you Mr. Chairman. I would like to join you in welcoming Chairman Wheeler and Commissioner Pai back before the subcommittee.  This is the 3rd year we have had this dynamic duo before our subcommittee, and I’m sure we will continue to have a stimulating discussion on the many issues facing the Federal Communications Commission.

Last year, the FCC was a central point of debate on this committee- for both numerous funding and policy issues.  The end result is that the Omnibus removed several controversial riders, and significantly increased funding for the agency for the first time in several years.

This year, your budget request is for $358 million in funding, which is 6.7 percent less than the fiscal year 2016.  The reason for this decrease is that we were able to largely fund your efforts to save costs in the long term by transitioning to a location with a smaller footprint.  I look forward to discussing how these plans are going, and how this year’s request builds upon last year’s funding. 

It should come as no surprise that Members often take this opportunity to discuss issues that move beyond the budget request.  In fact, last year’s hearing was devoted almost exclusively to one topic- the FCC’s open internet rule. 

We recently celebrated the first anniversary of that rule, and I think it is safe to say that it has been a rousing success.  None of the fears that opponents of the rule advanced in the lead up to its implementation have come to pass- there has been increased investment, continued expansion, and increased profits for internet service providers.  I believe that this is a settled issue – net neutrality is good for consumers, good for innovators, and ultimately good for business. Although I don’t doubt that we will have some more discussion on it today, I think it is important to recognize the positive impact these rules have already had.

Beyond net neutrality, the FCC is dealing with numerous issues important to consumers, local businesses and all of our constituents.  From privacy, to expanding the Lifeline program to include broadband, to opening up the set-top box market, I commend the FCC for taking an active role to better the lives of those we have been elected to represent.  I hope that we all keep consumers foremost in our minds as we discuss these issues going forward. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

114th Congress