Congressman Michael G. Oxley Fourth Ohio District OXLEY INTRODUCES FCC DE-POLITICIZATION ACT  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 21, 2000
 
WASHINGTON -- After receiving word that Attorney General Janet Reno will not investigate the lobbying activities of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), U.S. Rep. Michael G. Oxley (R-Findlay) today introduced the FCC De-Politicization Act of 2000.  The controversy first arose prior to a floor vote on Oxley's low-power FM legislation, when, in the opinion of Oxley and other members of Congress, the FCC aggressively lobbied the House to affect the outcome of the legislation.
 
"The Department of Justice's conclusion is not surprising, given the Clinton Administration's record," Oxley said.  "While I continue to believe that the FCC in this instance violated both the letter and the spirit of the law, I think the law in this area should be clearer."
 
Appropriations law prohibits the use of federal funds for lobbying Congress.  An important distinction in this area of law is whether federal officials organize outside groups to lobby, known as "grassroots" lobbying.  Just hours prior to the House vote on the Oxley bill, House members received a fax from the FCC's Office of Legislative Affairs that included several letters from outside groups in opposition to the legislation.
 
The measure would require a majority vote of the FCC before any member, officer, or employee could express the support or opposition of the Commission on matters before Congress.  This would include efforts to urge grassroots advocacy for or against legislation.
 
In addition, the bill would require that after a Commission majority voted on a legislative matter, lobbying activities could only be undertaken by the commissioners or staff members of their personal offices.  Under the bill, FCC bureaucrats not employed by the office of a commissioner could not engage in lobbying activities.
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