U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced a bill last week that would require the FCC to publish draft documents on its website at least three weeks ahead of a vote.
H.R. 6422, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Transparency Act, codifies a practice FCC Chairman Ajit Pai began early in his Chairmanship. “Pai has established some commonsense programs to increase transparency at the Commission, and my legislation will simply make some of the most important parts of those policies permanent,” said Kinzinger in his announcement, meaning it would last beyond Pai’s time at the helm of the agency.
FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly supports the measure, saying publishing draft documents in advance of the agency’s monthly meetings has “eliminated unnecessary discussions of non-existent issues.” Also, “conversations are more productive, Commissioners are still speaking their minds and negotiating internally on items, and work product has greatly improved.”
The measure also allows the Chairman to make exceptions to the 21-day rule if the document is considered confidential or classified, or would be considered an invasion of privacy. The legislation is similar to a bill Kinzinger introduced in 2015.
July 23, 2018
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