Homeland Security seeks to abolish the Federal Communications Commission FCC)

WASHINGTON, DC - As part of the President’s war on terror, the Department of Homeland Security has gained crucial Senate support for the introduction of a bill that would abolish the FCC and bring its regulatory power directly within the Department of Homeland Security.

Senator Hollings noted that the FCC Reauthorization Act of 2003 (S. 1264) does not go far enough in light of recent developments to protect ordinary Americans from the possibility that our airwaves might become the subject of terrorist attack. 

"The revenue that the FCC could transfer to our anti-terror programs is significant.  By abolishing the FCC we not only save the costs of running the Commission but we also ensure that the revenue re-categorized is utilized for the benefit of all who might find themselves on the receiving end of a terrorist attack.  We can thank the Department for unifying under Homeland Security what has traditionally been a freedom we can no longer afford," Senator Hollings said.

The bill appears to have bi-partisan support.  Vice President Cheney said in an interview late today, "We must do all we can to consolidate government agencies to meet this threat.”

04/01/2004 03:14 AM EST