Federal Communications Commission Authorization Act of 1988

(Measure passed Senate, amended)

Federal Communications Commission Authorization Act of 1988 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize FY 1988 and 1989 appropriations for the Federal Communications Commission.

Extends through FY 1989 the authority for the Commission's travel reimbursement program.

Repeals the requirement for the Commission to submit an annual management report to the Congress.

Delays for one year the date by which the Commission must begin biennial reviews of its Schedule of Charges, adjusting it to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index.

Authorizes the Commission, during FY 1988 and 1989, to make grants to and enter into cooperative agreements with private nonprofit organizations to employ older Americans to provide technical and administrative assistance on projects related to the implementation, promotion, or enforcement of Commission regulations. Requires the Commission and program participants to certify their compliance with various program prerequisites. Prohibits the employment of program participants in policymaking positions.

Exempts ex parte congressional communications with the Commission from regulations that restrict communications during the week prior to specified types of Commission proceedings.

Requires the Commission to issue an order concluding any hearing concerning the lawfulness of any new or revised charge, classification, regulation, or practice within 12 months of the item's effective date (15 months in very complex cases). Permits appeals of such orders. Establishes corresponding requirements in connection with Commission investigations of such questions. Requires the Commission to issue within 90 days of receipt an order granting or denying any petition for reconsideration of any order concluding such a hearing or investigation.

Authorizes the Commission to spend FY 1989 and 1990 appropriations to relocate the Hawaii Monitoring Station in Honolulu (Waipahu) to another site in Hawaii. Sets forth procedures and actions to be taken in connection with the sale of the present site as surplus property and with sale proceeds. Prohibits the Commission and the General Services Administration from taking action until their principals have prepared and submitted to specified congressional committees a detailed plan concerning the relocation.

Expresses the sense of the Congress: (1) encouraging and supporting the Amateur Radio Service and its emergency communications efforts; and (2) urging Government agencies to take into account the valuable contributions of amateur radio operators when considering actions that affect the Amateur Radio Service.