By Janie Amaya
Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) unveiled legislation Wednesday that will require the Federal Communications Commission to consult with the private sector before proposing new regulations.
The two lawmakers said the bill, entitled the Telecommunications Jobs Act of 2011, will help create jobs by removing the weight of “big government” from the nation’s innovators and entrepreneurs.
“I know that within the industry people have written letters and gotten no response. It is my arguement that I think the FCC works more for the FCC then they do for the industry they have the responsibility to regulate,” Sen. Heller said.
Expected to be filed Wednesday afternoon, the bill would also require the FCC to perform a cost benefit analysis with each new proposal.
Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communication and Technology Rep. Walden said the bill also looks for better transparency, predictability and consistency from the FCC by requiring the Commission to give ample time for the press and the public to review new regulations.
“We want the FCC to disclose how they operate. Other agencies do this- the FCC should,” Walden said. “Opening up the FCC so lawmakers, the press and the public can watch, track and participate in a meaningful way should not end up being a bipartisan issue it’s just good government.”