Joyce Remarks at Oversight Hearing on the Federal Communications Commission

I would like to thank Chairman Carr for being here today and for his leadership at the FCC. The Federal Communications Commission was created for the purpose of expanding access to radio, television, and other communication services to all Americans.

Methods of communication have changed a lot since the FCC was founded more than 90 years ago. Decades of technological advancements have made long-distance communications much more affordable. In 2023 the total number of wireless connections in the United States reached almost 558 million, or more than 1.6 connections per American. The FCC continues to play an important role in expanding access to new technologies and making communication services affordable for all Americans.

Since Fiscal Year 2023, the FCC has received flat funding of $390.2 million. Each year, the Commission’s appropriation is fully offset by the collection of regulatory fees paid by license holders. Not only is the FCC’s appropriation fully offset, but the Commission routinely transfers any excess revenue to the Treasury for deficit reduction.

The FCC has been a leader in securing our nation’s telecommunications infrastructure from national security threats. The Rip and Replace program has provided essential funding to help service providers replace equipment manufactured by companies under the influence of the Chinese Communist Party. Congress has authorized close to $5 billion to fund these efforts. I look forward to hearing more about this important program and the progress that continues to be made.

I’ve also been encouraged by Chairman Carr’s efforts to identify and remove unnecessary regulations that inhibit innovation and economic growth. Since March of this year, the FCC has been collecting feedback from the public on regulatory changes that will facilitate and encourage investment in modernizing networks, developing infrastructure, and promoting competition. In addition to its deregulation efforts, the FCC has also taken concrete steps to streamline agency processes and eliminate wasteful spending. Just last week, the Commission announced more than $567 million in expected savings from reducing contract spending. 

I am interested to learn more about these efforts, the steps Chairman Carr is taking to improve the agency’s fiscal health, and his priorities more generally for the Federal Communications Commission, and how this Committee can assist in achieving those goals.