FCC to Remain Fully Open Through Oct. 11 if a Shutdown: Rosenworcel

The FCC has sufficient funding available to keep its full staff working “through Oct. 11” if federal appropriations lapse at midnight and much of the government shuts down, acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said during a conference call with reporters Thursday. A shutdown appeared unlikely because Congress appeared poised to pass a revised continuing resolution to fund the government through Dec. 3 (HR-5305). The House was expected to soon vote on HR-5305; the Senate voted 65-35 earlier Thursday to pass it.

The FCC’s spectrum auction activities would continue throughout a shutdown, so the commission will be able to “make sure” the upcoming 3.45 GHz band auction begins as planned Oct. 5, Rosenworcel told reporters.

The FCC, Commerce Department and DOJ released shutdown contingency plans ahead of congressional action on HR-5305.