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May 18,2011
ONE HUNDRED 1WELFTH CONGRESS
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COMMITIEE ON OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM
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WASHINGTON, DC 20515-6143
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The Honorable Julius Genaehowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 Twelfth Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chairman Genachowski:
As you are aware, Commissioner Meredith Atwell Baker recently announced that she
will soon depart the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to join Comcast Corporation
(Comcast).' This announcement has generated questions sunounding the transition, especially in
light of the recent FCC decisions related to her future employer. According to both the FCC and
Commissioner Baker, however, she has managed her interest in this position in accordance with
established laws and procedures in close coordination with the General Counsel of the FCC. [
understand that Commissioner Baker, whose tenn expires in June, irrunediately contacted the
General Counsel ofthe FCC when this position became available in mid-April 2011, as it was of
interest to her. She subsequently recused herself from all matters relating to Comcast and
NBCUniversal and has not "participated or voted any item, not just those related to Comcast or
NBCUniversal, since entering discussions about an offer of potential employment.,,2
Based on the public statements of both Commissioner Baker and the FCC, it does not
appear that she violated any ofher legal or ethical obligations in accepting a position with
Comcas!. Nevertheless, because only a short time has passed since the Comcast-NBC Universal
merger, it is imperative that the public can trust the integrity ofthe process. To that extent, we
seek to gain a better understanding of the rules that govern Commissioner Baker's departure and
the steps that the Commission took to ensllIe that they were followed. Therefore, please provide
answers to the following questions no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 31,20 II:
I. What regulations and FCC policies/proeedllIes apply to Commissioner Baker's
departure?
I Press Release, Meredith Attwcll Baker, FCC Commissioner, to Join Comcast as Senior Vice President of
Government Aff.irs, NBCUnivers.1 (M.y 11,20 I I), avaIlable af
http://www.comc.sl.com!AboullPressRele.selPressRele.seDet.i1.•shx?PRl 0= I082.
2 Federal Communications Commission, Stalement ofCommissioner Meredith Anwell Baker (May 13,2011),
available 01 httpJlwww.fcc,gov/documentlstatement-commissioner-mcrcdith-atlwell-baker.
The Honorable Julius Genachowski
May 18,2011
Page 2
2. What actions did Commissioner Baker and the FCC take to ensme these rules
were followed?
3. On what date did Commissioner Baker notify the FCC General Counsel's office
that she was engaged in communications with Comcast about a possible job
oppOItunity?
4. On what date did Commissioner Baker begin to recuse herself from matters
and/or proceedings before the FCC?
5. For which matters/proceedings currently pending before the FCC has
Commissioner Baker recused herself?
Additionally, please make arrangements by May 24, 20II to brief Committee staff on
these issues.
The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is the principal oversight
committee of the House of Representatives and may at "any time" investigate "any matter" as set
forth in House Rule X.
Please contact John Ohly or Kristin Nelson of the Committee staff at (202) 225-5074
with any questions about this request. We appreciate yom attention to this matter and look
forward to your continued cooperation.
DalTell Issa
Chairman
cc: The Honorable Elijah Cummings, Ranking Minority Member
Austin Schlick, Esquire, General Counsel
Federal Communications Commission