Congressmen August Pfluger of Texas and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) license review process. The bill, called the Keep It Moving Act, was first reported by Broadband Breakfast.
Lawmakers argue that the current FCC license review process is slow and lacks clear deadlines, which can discourage investment needed to improve digital access in underserved areas. They say these delays leave businesses, workers, and consumers uncertain about outcomes.
Rep. Pfluger said, “FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and the Trump administration have been working tirelessly to modernize the FCC’s review process to encourage investment, lower costs, and expand access to better serve communities that have been left behind for too long. The Keep It Moving Act supports this goal and ensures that the FCC reviews applications based on the facts and acts within a reasonable timeframe for years and administrations to come,” adding he is “proud to lead this legislation alongside Rep. Gottheimer to help deliver better service and lower costs for hardworking families across West Texas and the rest of the country.”
The proposed law would set strict timelines for FCC reviews, remove artificial delays, require more oversight on how applications are handled, and mandate a full Commission vote before denying any application. This would ensure decisions are made by confirmed commissioners rather than unelected officials.
Support for the bill has come from several industry groups. Cory Gardner, President & CEO of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association said: “We commend Reps. Pfluger and Gottheimer for introducing the Keep it Moving Act and promoting administrative efficiency and procedural certainty in the context of regulatory review. We look forward to working with them and all Members of Congress on this important issue.”
Kelly Cole, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at CTIA stated: “CTIA believes that streamlining outdated and burdensome regulations is essential for America to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace. We commend Representatives Pfluger and Gottheimer for introducing the Keep It Moving Act and recognizing the need to remove unnecessary barriers and delays, which will help foster innovation and ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in wireless technology.”
Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO at NAB added: “The National Association of Broadcasters applauds Congressmen Pfluger and Gottheimer for introducing this common-sense and long-overdue legislation. As we have said previously, FCC licensees, and especially local television and radio broadcasters, need certainty that transactions before the Commission will receive a fair hearing and be acted upon in a timely manner. The Keep it Moving Act would provide that clarity and predictability. We look forward to working with Congressmen Pfluger and Gottheimer as this legislation advances and appreciate their leadership in leveling the playing field so local stations can continue serving their communities.”
August Pfluger has represented Texas’s 11th District in Congress since 2021 after replacing Mike Conaway. He won his seat in 2020 with nearly 80% of votes against Jon Mark Hogg.
More details about the bill are available online.