Along with agreeing to hear the case, the Supreme Court told attorneys on both sides of the case to be prepared to argue whether the case is moot because of the challengers' failure to seek preliminary relief before the Fifth Circuit.

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court could further weaken the power of federal agencies by agreeing on Friday to hear a dispute over a Federal Communications Commission program that requires companies to subsidize telecommunications services in underserved areas.

A conservative group argues that Congress gave the Federal Communications Commission too much discretion over an $8 billion fund.

The cases explore whether Congress violated the Constitution when it allowed the Federal Communications Commission to gather fees to help pay for critical telecommunications services in communities that might not otherwise have it.

The Supreme Court agreed Friday to wade into a fight over Congress’ ability to delegate power to federal agencies — opening the next chapter in a decadeslong effort by conservatives and business interests to reduce the power of the federal government.

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Friday to decide the legality of a congressionally authorized fund operated by the Federal Communications Commission to expand access to telecommunications services in a challenge accusing Congress of unlawfully delegating its authority to an independent federal agency.

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Friday to review whether a fund managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  that is