Grassley rejects latest round of LightSquared documents

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, indicated on Monday he's not removing his hold on two Federal Communications Commission nominees, despite a new round of document s that detail the agency's interactions with the wireless startup LightSquared.

Since last year Grassley has been pressuring the FCC and LightSquared to provide documents from the company's application for permission to build a nationwide wireless network. The FCC has declined, saying it only responds to members of committees with oversight over the agency.

In February Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the FCC, joined the push and asked for documents related to LightSquared. On Friday the committee shared the documents it received with Grassley, but a spokeswoman for the senator said it's not enough.

"According to the FCC, the documents all have been previously released through the Freedom of Information Act," Grassley's spokeswoman, Jill Gerber, said in a statement. "Therefore, Senator Grassley's hold on the FCC nominees will continue until the FCC demonstrates its commitment to comply with the House committee's request and produce new, internal documents."

Republicans have criticized the FCC for allegedly favoring LightSquared. In February the FCC proposed blocking LightSquared from building its network because it would interfere with global positioning systems but Grassley hasn't backed down.

Since last year Grassley has blocked a Senate vote on nominees Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai until the FCC provides more information.