Carr Testifies On Capitol Hill, Backs The AM Act

FCC's Brendan Carr

FCC chair Brendan Carr testified Wednesday before the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, updating lawmakers on the agency’s progress. 

In opening remarks, Carr outlined his priorities since his appointment by President Trump in January, including deregulation, workforce adjustments, and restoring congressional spectrum auction authority. He faced questions from Democrats about targeting DEI policies and perceived actions against media outlets critical of Trump.

Carr highlighted the FCC’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative to eliminate outdated regulations, noting positive stakeholder feedback. He reported a staff reduction from 1,461 to 1,383 through natural turnover, early retirements, and a deferred resignation program. 

Carr urged Congress to reinstate the FCC’s lapsed spectrum auction authority, emphasizing its $230 billion revenue history and role in national security, including funding the “Rip-and-Replace” program to remove insecure equipment from Huawei and ZTE. He also mentioned an upcoming vote to ensure labs certifying imported electronics are trustworthy.

On media ownership, Carr stressed the need to empower local broadcasters, citing outdated FCC rules that hinder stations like one in Powell, Wyo., from providing local content. He encouraged feedback on regulations that burden smaller broadcasters, responding to Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) about competition challenges faced by Coloff Media against larger entities like iHeartMedia.

Carr expressed strong support for AM radio, backing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle legislation and addressing electric vehicle interference concerns with affordable shielding. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) praised Carr’s efforts to hold broadcasters accountable, citing CBS’ edited interview with Kamala Harris. Carr emphasized that licensed broadcasters have a public interest obligation, which he believes the FCC has underenforced.

Democrats, including Ranking Member Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), raised concerns about the FCC becoming politicized, accusing it of targeting outlets like NPR, PBS, and major networks perceived as unfavorable to Trump. Carr also addressed inquiries about public media investigations, focusing on whether NPR and PBS stations violated underwriting rules by running prohibited commercials.