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Today, Americans for Tax Reform President, Grover Norquist, sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) supporting the petition filed by 19 civil rights groups on Monday, October 3rd. 

After the FCC’s delay in rolling out the new proposal, there have been greater calls from across the aisle to lift the Sunshine restrictions that would keep the public and companies with a vested interest from commenting on the proposal. The full letter can be found both below and here:

Dear Commissioners:

I write in support of the Petition to Lift Sunshine and Allow Public Comment submitted to the Federal Communications Commission regarding its new rules on set top boxes.

(Ironically, sunshine in this context really means the exact opposite of sunshine. Dark side of the moon might be more appropriate terminology.)

The petition asks the FCC to do what it is already required to do under law.  Lift the Sunshine restrictions that keep interested parties and Commissioners from communicating with each other regarding the new set top box rules; and two, allow interested parties to review and comment on the new proposal.

With requests to see the new rules from Democrat and Republican Senators and Representatives, private industry, civil liberties groups, and other advocacy groups representing a broad swath of the political and socioeconomic spectrum, it is hard to understand how Chairman Wheeler can say the public has already had enough opportunity to comment on this proposal.  It is clear the public does not agree.

Transparency is of the utmost importance. On behalf of Americans for Tax Reform, I respectfully request that the FCC grant the petitioners request and that these rules go through the correct legal process.

If you should have any questions regarding this issue please contact me, or Katie McAuliffe at [email protected] or 202-785-0266.

Onward,

Grover G. Norquist