Sen. Amy Klobuchar later referenced Kimmel’s comments in relation to those Trump made after the Reiners' killings, in which Trump said Rob Reiner’s death was “reportedly due to the anger he caused others through ... a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.”

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.

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

Hours before the Kimmel suspension, Carr warned that local broadcasters who aired Kimmel could face fines or loss of licenses and said "it's time for them to step up."

The FCC earlier this year told local broadcasters they could be fined or lose their licenses if they aired “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

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.