FCC Braces for Backlog After 6 Week Shutdown

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2025 – After 42 days without funding, the Federal Communications Commission clarified Thursday how it will manage an anticipated surge in regulatory filings, as the agency resumed operations after the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history.

The FCC said it anticipates “complications” as staff return to an “exceptionally large” number of filings after six weeks without pay. The agency asked parties to limit new submissions unless immediately necessary.

“We ask parties to limit filings and submissions except where immediate authority is needed and to refrain from submitting filings seeking additional relief from filing deadlines for the time being,” the FCC’s notice states.