Public Knowledge Urges President, Senate To Preserve FCC’s Bipartisanship in New Nominations
Public Knowledge Urges President, Senate To Preserve FCC’s Bipartisanship in New Nominations
Public Knowledge Urges President, Senate To Preserve FCC’s Bipartisanship in New Nominations

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    Today, Commissioner Nathan Simington announced that he would be stepping down from his role at the Federal Communications Commission on June 6. This follows Commissioner Starks’ May announcement that he would step down, which leaves the agency without a functioning, bipartisan quorum – jeopardizing its ability to fulfil its mission and ensure all Americans have access to affordable, high-speed internet. Public Knowledge urges the president and the U.S. Senate to preserve the agency’s independence by swiftly nominating and confirming a Democratic Commissioner to join Commissioner Anna Gomez as well as a Republican Commissioner to join Chairman Brendan Carr. Failure to do so risks the nation’s ability to close the digital divide and protect consumers.

    The following can be attributed to Alisa Valentin, Broadband Policy Director at Public Knowledge:

    “FCC Commissioner Simington’s sudden departure effectively leaves the agency without a bipartisan quorum, which stalls its ability to move forward with any meaningful actions – a move that will likely result in painful consequences throughout the communications ecosystem for consumers.

    “From helping students access online educational tools to ensuring workers can apply for new opportunities or patients can reach their telehealth providers, the FCC is responsible for connecting our communities to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. A non-functional agency will harm access to reliable communications networks during emergencies, availability of spectrum for wireless innovators, and connectivity for those on the wrong side of the digital divide. 

    “We urge the president and the Senate to quickly nominate and confirm both a qualified Democratic and Republican commissioner to preserve the agency’s critical role. We support a fully staffed, independent, and bipartisan Commission to ensure it can efficiently fulfill its mission of providing equitable communications access to all.”

    Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.