Democratic senators on Wednesday hammered the Federal Communications Commission's leader over pressuring broadcasters to take ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off the air, suggesting that Brendan Carr was politicizing an independent agency and trampling the First Amendment.

For the most part, it was Democrats who hammered Carr on his Kimmel comments, but Cruz reiterated his critique at the start of the hearing. He also, however, accused his Democratic colleagues of hypocrisy over their silence over alleged jawboning during the Biden administration. Cruz called on his Democratic peers to join him in passing reforms.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr appeared before a Senate oversight committee on Wednesday and faced harsh criticism by Democrats on various topics including threats against TV broadcasters for carrying ABC comedian Jimmy Kimmel.

Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) called for the FCC chairman's resignation, saying he had turned the agency “into the 'Federal Censorship Commission.'”

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr admitted that he sees President Donald Trump as his boss during a congressional hearing Wednesday, and refused to say that it would be wrong to do the president’s bidding as the chairman of what is supposed to be an independent agency.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr's testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee comes after he faced bipartisan criticism for threatening Disney over Jimmy Kimmel's show.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr testifies after suggesting ABC licenses could be pulled over Jimmy Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk assassination.

The FCC, led by Brendan Carr, faces bipartisan scrutiny for pressuring broadcasters about content involving political figures. Senators will question its actions on regulatory decisions and free speech.