Durbin Chairs Hearing on FCC Budget
Focuses on Expanding Broadband Access, Promoting Innovation and Protection Consumers
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) chaired a hearing today before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and Government on the President's FY13 budget request for the Federal Communication Commission (FCC).
“Our nation’s communications system enables us to keep in touch with friends and family; enjoy endless forms of entertainment; stay up to date on the news of the day; and to participate in the global economy,” Durbin said. “The FCC ensures that quality, reliable telecommunications services are available for all Americans at an affordable price while promoting innovation and protecting consumers. The resources they are given must be used thoughtfully and efficiently and that is the purpose of today’s hearing.”
The President’s FY13 budget request for the FCC is $346.8 million, a 2% increase over the FY12 enacted level. Durbin focused his questions on consumer issues including internet privacy and “cramming” or fraudulent charges on phone bills. Durbin noted that “rapidly emerging technologies and capabilities often overwhelm consumers’ understanding of the services they are getting – and what the services are getting from them”
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski testified at today’s hearing. A copy of his testimony and a webcast can be found here: http://bit.ly/ILz80H