FCC proposes a 2026 budget of $416.1 million allocated for various operations.
Let's break down the FCC's annual spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
Chairman Brendan Carr's first budget request proposes a $416.1 million budget for FY2026, marking a 6.6% increase from the FY2025 budget request. If green-lit by Congress, this budget would kick off on October 1st.
This budget plan, in line with the Trump administration's 2026 discretionary budget proposal, suggests a leaner commission, with a proposed reduction of 74 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) compared to the FY2025 request, totaling 1,404 FTEs.
In comparison, the FCC's FY2024 proposal had funding for 1,523 FTEs. The commission anticipates a decrease in its workforce due to retirements, the deferred resignation program, and attrition.
"The FCC is well-equipped to carry out its mandated tasks with existing and remaining staff levels," the proposal asserts.
Detailing the breakdown, the FCC's Media Bureau, which oversees radio and television broadcasters, would be staffed with 112 employees and a budget of $28.8 million. On the other hand, the Enforcement Bureau would employ 174 individuals and manage a budget of $46 million if the FY2026 request is approved.
The budget increase is attributed to the FCC's obligations under the Broadband DATA Act, signed into law in 2020, which requires the agency to improve its broadband data collection, verification, and reporting processes. The FCC notes that the funding to fulfill its mapping obligations will be integrally part of its annual operating budget going forward.
However, the $98 million in funding granted in December 2020 for the FCC's implementation costs for the act has been depleted, and moving forward, these mapping tasks will be funded as part of the FCC's annual operating budget.
The proposal outlines the FCC's spending plan and priorities, aimed at achieving four strategic goals: promoting high-speed internet, enhancing national security and public safety, protecting consumers, and improving efficiency.
Notably, the FCC also wishes to allocate $132 million for its Spectrum Auction Program, representing a 3% decrease in funding compared to FY2025. As of FY2024's end, the spectrum auctions program, which allocates federally-owned spectrum to commercial bidders, has generated over $233.5 billion for government use. However, the FCC's auction authority lapsed in March 2023 and needs Congress to reinstate it to capitalize on new wireless technologies and free up unused and underutilized spectrum for innovation and growth.
The commission finances its operations primarily through regulatory fee collections, generating an estimated $402.6 million in fees for FY2026. Additionally, an extra $13.5 million is requested for the FCC's Office of Inspector General to execute its duties.
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The FCC's Media Bureau, responsible for overseeing radio and television broadcasters, is proposed to be staffed with 112 employees and allocated a budget of $28.8 million as per the FY2026 budget request. This budget increase primarily caters to the FCC's obligations under the Broadband DATA Act, which focuses on improving broadband data collection, verification, and reporting processes through the media technology.
