H.R. 290: Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2017

By SBE Council at 20 January, 2017, 10:01 pm

UPDATE:  On January 23, 2017, the U.S. House passed H.R. 290 by voice vote (no opposition.)

The Honorable Greg Walden

Chairman

Energy and Commerce Committee

U.S. House of Representatives

The Honorable Adam Kinzinger

U.S. House of Representatives

Dear Chairman Walden and Representative Kinzinger:

The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) strongly supports H.R. 290, the “Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2017.” H.R. 290 instills important reforms to improve transparency, order and accountability within the FCC’s regulatory process. This is especially critical for small businesses, as they comprise 83 percent of the firms in the telecommunications industry and are disproportionately burdened by red tape and regulation.

Small businesses, innovation and investment can be harmed by an obscure, closed and unresponsive regulatory process. A predictable and clear process will improve participation by small businesses and entrepreneurs, which we believe is critical to developing regulation that is flexible and rationale. H.R. 290 also requires that the Small Business Administration (SBA) develop a report to improve small business participation in the regulatory process, which may include legislative recommendations to further that goal. Small business outreach is essential, as entrepreneurs and their employees are on the frontlines in the marketplace and can share intelligence and solutions to minimize red tape and the economic harm that may result from proposed regulations.

Thank you for your leadership and support for entrepreneurs. Please let me know how SBE Council can help to ensure H.R. 290 is signed into law.

Sincerely,

Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO

cc:  Members of the U.S. House of Representatives