Pallone, Other House Dems Seek Expanded DOJ/FBI Investigation of Fake Comments in Proceedings

House Commerce Committee ranking member Frank Pallone, D-N.J., and three other House Democrats asked DOJ and the FBI Wednesday to expand the lawmakers' previously requested investigation into the “potentially illegal” use of stolen and fake identities to comment in federal rulemaking proceedings, including to the FCC proceeding that resulted in the commission's December vote to rescind Communications Act 2015 net neutrality rules. Pallone originally sought the investigation in June (see 1706280043). “The practice of manipulating agency actions by flooding rulemaking dockets with fake comments is far more widespread than it appeared when you were initially asked to investigate,” the Democratic lawmakers said in a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Some Americans’ voices are being co-opted in what appears to be a systemic attempt to corrupt federal policy-making.” Immediate action “is needed in order to restore public trust in the federal rulemaking process,” the lawmakers said. Pallone and other House Commerce Democrats disclosed Tuesday GAO agreed to review fake comments in docket 17-708. The lawmakers sought that review in July (see 1707070039). The FCC didn't comment.