WASHINGTON-House Commerce appropriations subcommittee Chairman Harold Rogers (R-Ken.) blasted Federal Communications Commission Chairman Reed Hundt last week for not informing that panel of the FCC’s deal to secure alternative $30 million funding to move agency headquarters across town, despite Rogers’ order that costs be lowered.
The flare up raises questions about whether Hundt intentionally left Rogers out of the loop, knowing the appropriations panel head was on record strongly opposed to providing the full $30 million requested by the FCC and possibly fearing Rogers would kill the deal if he was told in advance.
“That’s a $30 million move that you know we found quite high,” said Rogers. “It concerns me that you didn’t think of picking up the telephone or have your staff pick up the telephone and call my staff or call me and let know what you’re thinking about,” said Rogers.
“I certainly agree with you,” replied Hundt.
Rogers last year directed Hundt to lower the relocation costs and investigate options for financing the move. The FCC thereafter entered negotiations with the General Services Administration, the government’s leasing agent, that resulted in an agreement whereby GSA would loan the FCC $30 million to move to The Portals and the FCC would reimburse GSA.
The FCC requested a $30 million increase in its fiscal 1998 budget request for that purpose, even though GSA hasn’t provided the FCC any funds.
