The ranking Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee is calling for reassurance that a probe into information leaked from the Federal Communications Commission will be conducted in a “fulsome and independent” manner.
“I trust you will review all potential sources of leaked information,” Florida Sen. Bill Nelson wrote to FCC Inspector General David Hunt on Thursday. “I am confident that you will also examine statements made by commissioners and FCC employees through social media in the lead-up to the open meeting.”
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The meeting in question took place on March 31, when the agency voted 3-2 to expand a subsidy program known as “Lifeline” to include Internet service. A compromise plan to win over the agency’s two Republican commissioners, which would have capped the program at $2 billion annually, was derailed after details were leaked to the media. The program was approved instead with an adjustable cap of $2.25 billion.
Agency rules prohibit details surrounding proposals from being shared with the public before commissioners have an opportunity to vote, prompting the inspector general to open an investigation in April.
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“I am troubled by the increasing partisan discourse that has been surrounding the independent agency’s open meetings,” Nelson wrote. “When the commission reaches a decision by a 3-2 vote, there is an automatic assumption by some that this decision should be the subject of an investigation.
“Consistent with the OIG’s mission statement, I hope your office continues to ‘to be an agent of positive change, striving for continuous improvement in FCC’s management and program operations,’ and I trust your office will continue to approach its investigations in a manner that sets an example for the rest of the FCC,” Nelson added.
Nelson’s missive follows an April 15 letter sent by Commerce Committee Chairman Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., demanding answers from Democratic FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. The chairman hinted in response that there were occasions when it was appropriate for information to be leaked, though he denied knowledge of the March incident.
