FCC scolded over stopping internet grants

Glad they're no fools. The Senate Commerce Committee is on to the FCC for their recent actions.:

The Federal Communications Commission came under sharp criticism in Congress on Tuesday over a series of decisions that have led to the suspension of a $2.25 billion program that pays for telephone and Internet services at public schools and libraries.

But one huge problem: the FCC declined to send anybody to the hearings. Arrogance, if not acting out, may be a more accurate description of their attitude.

"I'm very disappointed that the F.C.C. declined to testify,'' Mr. Rockefeller said. "I do not think this is accidental.''

Mark Wigfield, a spokesman at the F.C.C., said that officials had been unable to attend because the hearing had only recently been scheduled for Tuesday and the officials had scheduling obligations that could not be changed.

Yeah, right.

And unfortunately, this is all happening too late for anything to be done.

The impact is huge, which makes me wonder if Powell and his cronies are feeling pleased with their work.

The suspension, which began without notice two months ago, has caused hardships in many school districts and communities, which have had to postpone paying bills or take money from other projects. By one estimate, as much as $1 billion in expected grants could be suspended by the end of the year.

School districts are strapped for funds as it is. My belief is that continued blows to schools like this will result in something close to FUBAR.