Fred Upton (R-MI), Greg Walden (R-OR) and Cliff Stearns (R-FL) have found something to like about President Barack Obama, and that something is Executive Order 13563, which instructs government agencies to identify and delete obsolete rules. They are asking an exec at OMB who is overseeing the program if the FCC and other agencies are complying with the Order.
Cass R. Sunstein is the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.
In a letter to Sunstein, the trio wrote, “In recent correspondence with the Federal Communications Commission, the committee has stressed the importance of eliminating burdensome regulations that no longer serve the public interest. A thorough review of FCC and other independent agency regulations and the repeal of outdated rules will unleash private sector investment, spur growth, and create jobs for the American people. While independent agencies like the FCC are not required to conduct a regulatory review under the terms of the executive order, you testified that you hoped they would voluntarily agree to do so.”
They are interested in the participation in all agencies covered by the Order, but also had a particular interest in the FCC. “What communications have you had with the FCC regarding its regulatory review?” they wrote. “How will you work with the FCC to ensure that its regulatory review is consistent with Executive Order 13563?”
Upton attached an earlier letter written to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski indicating his interest in making sure that the Fairness Doctrine is one of the rules on the chopping block. Genachowski has indicated that indeed it is.
