Delay! Delay! Delay! FCC Commissioners Starks and Simington Announce Departure from FCC, Leaving FCC Without a Quorum

Federal Communications Commission Commissioners Geoffrey Starks and Nathan Simington have each announced that they are departing from the FCC on Friday, June 6. Effective with their departures, the FCC will be down to only two commissioners. Until an additional commissioner is confirmed by the Senate, the FCC cannot take Commission-level actions. As a result, FCC Chairman Carr will temporarily be stymied in advancing his policy agenda, and the Commission will be unable to rule on major merger transactions. While much of the FCC’s routine work will remain “business as usual,” these handicaps are likely to push the Senate to confirm a third commissioner sooner than originally anticipated.