Kuster, Stewart Urge FCC Not to Raise Regulatory Fees During Pandemic

Reps. Ann McLane Kuster, D-N.H., and Chris Stewart, R-Utah, urged the FCC Monday to "halt any increases to annual regulatory fees" for 2020 (see 2005130057). Kuster and Stewart wrote Chairman Ajit Pai that this "does not require an act of Congress." Uncertainty about "when state and local economies will fully reopen and how consumer behavior will be impacted" means "it is nearly impossible for broadcasters to predict when, or if, operating revenues may return to normal," the lawmakers said. "What is certain for these broadcasters is that expenses will continue to be incurred for the duration of the year," including regulatory fees. "Immediately notify Congress of any statutory change necessary to allow payment of regulatory fees after September 30," the lawmakers said. The agency "will review [the letter] once we receive it," a spokesperson emailed.