The FCC is full again with the Senate’s confirmation of Ana Gomez as the agency’s fifth commissioner, enabling it to take more and faster action on all regulatory matters in telecommunications and, increasingly, space.
Gomez was nominated for the seat last June, a year and a half after Republicans resisted previous candidate Gigi Son, for questionable reasons. Once sworn in, she will become the third Democratic commissioner at the agency, which by design is split 3:2 in favor of the administration party.
After Ajit Pai’s unpopular tenure during Trump’s years in office, the FCC was led by Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, who focused on improving broadband access and updating space-related rules. But without a full count of commissioners, the agency was limited in what it could accomplish: Any issue with political weight, such as net neutrality, would face a 2:2 deadlock.
While the FCC has done what it can under the circumstances, the rules under its jurisdiction are fortunately less partisan than many others, and everyone there seems to agree, for example, that broadband should be cheaper And the best in all parts of the country.
With Gomez’s confirmation — over vocal and questionable objections from the likes of Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) — the FCC is able to function as it was intended: as an independent expert agency that works with, but not for, the rest of the executive branch.
Gomez’s soon-to-be colleagues have offered a warm welcome through official statements, but no mention has been made of what her vote will help her achieve. 2016 through 2020 saw a rollback of net neutrality rules and a loosening of regulations relating to the telecommunications sector, such as mobile and broadband providers. By a full count, Rosenworcel’s FCC could bring back some of these rules with beefed-up legal support (net neutrality was repealed for very flimsy reasons), or take advantage of the new skeptical climate in the tech world to write new regulations for broadband privacy.
However, this has not yet been decided, and we will likely hear more during the upcoming FCC meeting (on September 21) or via separate statements in the coming days. This meeting already has a full agendaBut no doubt they will find time to hint at what comes next.
Here’s what other commissioners had to say on Ana Gomez’s confirmation:
“As I said when she was nominated, Anna is a true expert, and her depth of experience will be an asset to the agency and the public we all serve.” -Commissioner Jeffrey Starks
“Ms. Gomez’s career demonstrates a long-standing commitment to public service. I welcome her as a colleague and look forward to working together on policies that will protect consumers and advance the interests of all Americans.” -Commissioner Brendan Carr
“Ms. Gomez has dedicated a significant portion of her career to public service and will undoubtedly continue to serve the public interest faithfully in her new role as Commissioner. I look forward to working with her.” – Commissioner Nathan Symington
From President Rosenworcel:
“Anna brings with her a wealth of telecommunications experience, a significant record of public service, and a history of working to ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of keeping us all connected. Her international experience will be a real asset to the agency. I look forward to working with her to advance the agency’s mission to ensure The benefits of modern communications reach everyone, everywhere and that the United States can continue to lead in the digital age.