FCC's Pai, O'Rielly Take-Up Ice Bucket Challenge

Ajit Pai

The Federal Communications Commission is following in the steps of Jimmy Fallon, LeBron James and countless social media users by taking part in a viral trend to raise awareness for a rare nerve disease.

According to The Hill, at least three of the FCC’s five commissioners have or will take part in the “Ice Bucket Challenge,” in which they dump a bucket of freezing ice water over their heads to help combat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Michael O'Rielly

Commissioners Ajit Pai and Michael O’Rielly, both Republicans, took part in videos posted over the weekend, after prompting from the wireless trade group CTIA. Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel is also planning to participate, her office confirmed.

In the “challenge,” people urge friends to either film themselves dumping a bucket of ice water over their head or else donate $100 to the charity. Many do both.

The phenomenon has taken over social media sites in recent weeks, in part spurred by celebrities like Bill Gates and Matt Lauer, who have taken part.

The ALS Association reported $13.3 million in donations since late July, according to the New York Times, nearly an eight-fold increase from the same period last year.