FCC abides by GOP request, deletes everything from meeting agenda

The Federal Communications Commission has deleted every major item from the agenda of its Nov 2016 meeting, apparently submitting to a request from GOP leaders to halt major rulemakings until President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated as President. Republicans from the House and Senate sent letters to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler Nov 15 urging him to stand down in his final months as FCC Chairman. The GOP pointed out that the FCC halted major rulemakings eight years ago after the election of Barack Obama when prompted by a similar request by Democratic lawmaekrs. Chairman Wheeler's office hadn't said whether it will comply with the request, but Nov 16 it announced the deletion of all items that were originally scheduled to be presented and voted on at Nov 17's meeting.

The FCC said the items "remain on circulation," which means they can still be voted on, but a vote doesn't appear likely. Before the change, the agenda included votes on price caps for “special access” business data services; Universal Service funding to expand mobile broadband networks; wireless roaming obligations; and requirements for audio description of TV programming for blind and visually impaired people. The only item not deleted from Nov 17's meeting is part of the "consent agenda," which means it is routine and wasn't going to be presented individually.