The only Democrat on the Federal Communications Commission says chairman Brendan Carr's belief that the FCC isn't independent leaves news media vulnerable to political pressure.

For the most part, it was Democrats who hammered Carr on his Kimmel comments, but Cruz reiterated his critique at the start of the hearing. He also, however, accused his Democratic colleagues of hypocrisy over their silence over alleged jawboning during the Biden administration. Cruz called on his Democratic peers to join him in passing reforms.

Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) called for the FCC chairman's resignation, saying he had turned the agency “into the 'Federal Censorship Commission.'”

Leaders of the Federal Communications Communications Commission outlined goals for increased broadband access, spectrum development and rules deregulation on Wednesday. In a hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee,

Texas, grilled Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr on Wednesday over his push for broadcasters to take ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel off the air.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr's testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee comes after he faced bipartisan criticism for threatening Disney over Jimmy Kimmel's show.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr testifies after suggesting ABC licenses could be pulled over Jimmy Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk assassination.