Senate Commerce Committee Spokesman Underwhelmed By Chairman Wheeler Info Answer

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler told Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) that as a general rule, the FCC, meaning the Chairman on delegated authority, "may choose to release nonpublic information when we think it will promote the discussion and understanding of important policy issues, but do no harm to our internal decisionmaking." Chairman Wheeler's answer did not sit appear to satisfy Chairman Thune's concerns.

“In his response, Chairman Wheeler maintains he has broad authority to release nonpublic information unilaterally, in apparent contradiction of the plain language of FCC rules," said a spokesman for the Republican majority. "Further, his response did not answer the question of whether he authorized a leak of nonpublic information on March 31. In addition to the requested FCC inspector general investigation, the Commerce Committee will continue to examine this matter.”