The Senate has formally confirmed Jessica Rosenworcel as the Federal Communications Commission’s first permanent chairwoman.
President Biden’s nominee has led the FCC as acting chair since January 2021, following the resignation of former chair Ajit Pai.
The Senate vote was 68 to 31 in favor of confirming Rosenworcel as chairwoman, a decision that also grants her a new five-year term on the Commission.
“It is a tremendous honor to be confirmed and designated as the first permanent chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission. I would like to thank President Biden for the opportunity.
People across the country count on the FCC to support the connections they need for work, learning, healthcare, and access to the information we require to make decisions about our lives, our communities, and our country.
I look forward to working with the Administration, my colleagues on the Commission and FCC staff, members of Congress, and the public to make the promise of modern communications a reality for everyone, everywhere.”
Republican commissioners issued congratulations as Rosenworcel secured her historic appointment.
Republican Commissioner Nathan Simington said:
“I congratulate my colleague Chairwoman Rosenworcel on her confirmation to another five year term to serve on the FCC.
Chairwoman Rosenworcel has ably led the Commission for the past year, and during that time we have achieved a number of significant, bipartisan objectives in the public interest.
It is my hope and expectation that we will continue this vital work together in the years to come.”
The White House is likely to welcome Rosenworcel’s confirmation, though officials are awaiting the Senate vote on Gigi Sohn, who has been nominated to fill a vacant commissioner seat.
If Sohn is confirmed, the FCC would shift to a 3-2 Democratic majority, ending the current deadlock and allowing the Biden Administration greater ability to advance its telecommunications agenda.
(Image Credit: FCC)
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