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Chairpersons

Lujan Presses Commerce Committee Chairman to Hold FCC Oversight Hearing Over Shared Concerns of Chairman Carr's Weaponization of the Agency

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Senator Ben Ray Lujan has called on the Chairman of the Commerce Committee, Senator Ted Cruz, to hold an immediate oversight hearing for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) amidst concerns of Chairman Brendan Carr's weaponization of the agency. Lujan, the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, cited Chairman Carr's recent actions as a clear example of the Commission's abuse of power, including threatening to revoke broadcast licenses and taking action against media organizations for programming unfavorable to the President.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Lujan has requested an immediate oversight hearing for the FCC to examine Chairman Carr's actions and assess the agency's adherence to the Constitution and the law.
  • The Senator has expressed concern over Chairman Carr's targeting of media organizations for unfavorable programming, citing instances of harassment and administrative actions launched against ABC/Disney and other outlets.
  • Lujan has also called for the introduction of the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, which would prohibit the FCC from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they air.
  • The legislation aims to reaffirm guardrails on the FCC's power, protecting private companies and individuals from Chairman Carr's attacks on their First Amendment rights.
  • Historically, the FCC has operated under a regulatory humility mandate, maintaining a careful distance from executive branch influence. Under Chairman Carr, however, the agency has become embroiled in controversy, with the Senator arguing that the Commission's credibility and that of the Commerce Committee are at stake.

Statistics:

  • 1 Senator Lujan has invited Senator Cruz to cosponsor the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act.
  • 2 Chairman Carr has publicly threatened to launch a "news distortion" investigation against Comcast.
  • 3 The FCC's website declares that "communications law and policy seeks to encourage responsive 'counter-speech' from others..."
  • 4 Chairman Carr has amplified White House criticisms on ABC/Disney based on coverage of President Trump on the ABC show, "The View."
  • 5 The FCC has launched an investigation into the "60 Minutes" interview with then-Vice President and Presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
  • 6 Senator Lujan has cited numerous examples of Chairman Carr's abuse of power, including his role in the Paramount-Skydance merger and his bias towards President Trump.

Sources:

1. Lujan Presses Commerce Committee Chairman to Hold FCC Oversight Hearing Over Shared Concerns of Chairman Carr's Weaponization of the Agency (Lujan Senate Press Release) https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-presses-commerce-committee-chairman-to-hold-fcc-oversight-hearing-over-shared-concerns-of-chairman-carrs-weaponization-of-the-agency/

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