Democrats for FCC Chairman Pai?

As expected, the Senate formally confirmed Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai for a new, five-year term in a largely party-line 52-41 vote. But Chairman Pai did win votes from four of the six Democrats who voted in favor of the procedural vote on his confirmation: Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Jon Tester (D-MT). (Sens. Chris Coons and Tom Carper, both Delaware Democrats, had voted to proceed to Pai’s reconfirmation vote but ultimately rejected his renomination.)

So why did these four buck Democratic colleagues? “I disagree with him on net neutrality, but the president has a right to the chairman because he won the election,” said Sen McCaskill. “I have worked with him closely on the Lifeline issues and found him to be easy to work with on those issues — and he’s qualified.” Sen Peters echoed her on Pai’s qualifications and also cited his interest in working with Chairman Pai to address the Lifeline program. The senators like his broadband views. “I just need a lot of help in West Virginia, and he’s been moving in that direction,” Sen Manchin said, lauding Pai’s work in “trying to get the rural broadband fund moving.” Chairman Pai is “working with us,” Sen Manchin said. Sen Peters also mentioned rural broadband, singling out Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as an area in need: “I found him very receptive to ways to expand broadband access.” But like Sen McCaskill, Sen Manchin is “still very concerned about net neutrality,” as is Sen Peters. Pai’s move to roll back net neutrality regulations dominated the Democrats’ opposition on the floor. Sen Peters said he “will hold him accountable” and try to ensure “the internet is free and open.”