The FCC is once again at its full five-member strength following the Senate’s confirmation of Brendan Carr and Jessica Rosenworcel.
FCC Chairman was quick to issue congratulations.
“I congratulate Brendan and Jessica on their confirmations,” Pai said in a statement. “As I know from working with each of them for years, they have distinguished records of public service and will be valuable assets to the FCC in the years to come. Their experience at the FCC makes them particularly well-suited to hit the ground running. I’m pleased that the FCC will once again be at full strength and look forward to collaborating to close the digital divide, promote innovation, protect consumers, and improve the agency’s operations.”
The confirmations bring the balance of power to three Republicans, including Pai and fellow Commissioner Michael O’Rielly, and two Democrats, with Commissioner Mignon Clyburn pairing off with Rosenworcel.
Carr was approved to finish out former Chairman Tom Wheeler’s term, which ends in June 2018. He was also approved for an additional five-year term running through 2023. Rosenworcel was granted a five-year term running from July 2015 to 2020.
Pai, whose term expired at the end of June 2016, was confirmed for another five-year term running through 2021.
The full Senate vote followed a split decision from the Commerce Committee earlier in the week. At that level, Carr was approved for the remainder of Wheeler’s term, but some Democrats sought to block his additional five-year confirmation. Additionally, a handful of Democrats sought to block Pai’s reconfirmation given his recent efforts to repeal net neutrality.
Rosenworcel previously served on the Commission from 2012 through the end of 2016, but stepped down when the Senate failed to extend her expired term before the end of their session.
Carr has served as Pai’s Wireless, Public Safety, and International legal advisor for the past several years, moving to that role from a position in the FCC’s Office of the General Counsel. Prior to joining the Commission, Carr worked as an attorney for the law firm Wiley Rein LLP. There, he specialized in telecommunications, representing clients including carriers like AT&T and Verizon as well as industry associations like USTelecom and CTIA.
Filed Under: Industry regulations