The White House this week proposed increasing the FCC’s budget authority from regulatory fee offsetting collections by nearly 15 percent, to $390,192,000 and change for FY 2025, which begins on October 1. In its justification, the agency says the extra funds would support 1,600 full-time FCC employees, the same as this year. The Commission says it needs this many people “in creating a lean, accountable, and efficient Commission that works for the American people,” that “will meet its mission demands.”
The agency’s budget request to Congress explains the Commission is spending more on effective oversight to prevent waste, fraud and abuse. It explains: “These FCC programs have grown exponentially; in 2021, the Universal Service fund provided $10.9872 billion to support the four Universal Service programs. Additionally in 2021, Congress appropriated $24.77 billion for COVID-19 and other emergency relief programs: the COVID-19 Telehealth Program ($200 million), the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program ($3.2 billion), the Affordable Connectivity Program ($14.2 billion), and the Education Connectivity Fund ($7.17 billion).”
The FCC estimates it would keep 158 full-time employees in the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and costs would increase from nearly $16.5 million to $17.6 million in the coming fiscal budget year. The Wireline Competition Bureau would also retain the same number of staff at 173. The agency anticipates the total budget for the bureau would rise from $37 million in FY2024 to just over $39 million in FY2025.
The Media Bureau, too, is anticipated to maintain the same staffing at 135 full-time employees. Costs are now $28.5 million and predicted to be $29.7 million in the coming fiscal year.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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