FCC: Budget Cuts Could Harm Vital Missions

Sequester-related budget cuts could affect public safety, consumer protection, spectrum and universal service, according to the Federal Communications Commission.

"The cuts to the FCC's budget required by sequestration are very significant, particularly at a time when staff levels are lower than they have been in nearly 30 years," said a FCC spokesman, "and will harm vital agency missions including public safety and homeland security, law enforcement, universal service, spectrum, and consumer protection. We have been developing plans to try to mitigate the impact of these cuts on consumers, the communications sector, and our staff." The total FCC budget is $341,923,845. Sequestration would cut about $17 million, and would need to be realized in seven months. The FCC is going to try to avoid furloughing any employees through a combination of cuts to travel and expenses (contractors). If there are furloughs, it will be a Friday off every other week, as is the plan in other parts of the government. The FCC may also be slow to hire as folks retire, rather than a moratorium on new hires.