mergers

New Bill Would Impose Shot Clocks on FCC Merger Reviews

Denials and hearing referrals would have to be voted on by commissioners.

Jake Neenan

Feb 26, 2026 — 2 min read

Photo of Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, leaving the Senate Chambers on Monday, April 15, 2024 by Kevin Wolf/AP

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2026 – Two Capitol Hill lawmakers want to put the Federal Communications Commission on the clock.

Reps. August Pfluger, R-Texas, and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., introduced a bill Thursday to impose shot clocks on FCC merger reviews.

The bill, called the Keep it Moving Act, would codify the FCC’s informal 180-day deadline for merger reviews, which it has at times far exceeded. If the agency missed that deadline, with some exceptions, applicants would be able to get a court to compel the agency to approve their deal. The agency would have to ask the court for permission to deny at that point.

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mergers August Pfluger Josh Gottheimer Brendan Carr Jessica Rosenworcel FCC CTIA NCTA NAB TEGNA Nexstar

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