FCC to Get Slight Boost Under FY 2021 Budget Request

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The FCC asked for a total of $481.59 million in its FY 2021 budget proposal – just 0.3 percent more than the previous fiscal year. It’s asking for just a slight increase because the Commission expects to receive a revenue boost from spectrum auction fees. To that end, the agency included a $134.5 million request for spectrum auction authority, a nearly $2 million increase from the current year.  

In creating what it calls, “a lean, accountable, and efficient Commission that works for the American people,” the FCC asked for 1,448 Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) funded by budget authority from both regulatory fee offsetting collections and the spectrum auctions program. This FTE number is the same level as what was enacted for FY 2020.  

The Commission pointed out that to-date, its program, “has generated over $117 billion for government use” at a cost of “less than $2.1 billion or 1.7 percent of the total auctions’ revenue.” It also said the funding level will “improve its auctions program infrastructure in preparation for future auctions” and thus help it to “conduct additional auctions to make more spectrum available for next-generation wireless services.” 

The FCC said its expected headquarters move is on-track for June. The agency plans to relocate to a new building north of Capitol Hill. Its current lease expires on November 30.

In 2015, Congress approved a proposed replacement 15-year lease that would reduce FCC headquarters square footage by approximately 30 percent and lower the overall rental expense. It’s estimated the move will provide up to $119 million in total net savings over the 15 years. The General Services Administration estimated the total cost for the move would be $70,971,489. Congress previously approved the money for the relocation.

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