Policymakers

The House Gavel in Charge of Section 230 Reform

The House Commerce Committee now officially labels the hot-button issue of Section 230 under the jurisdiction of its communications and technology subcommittee, which is chaired by Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA). During the previous Congress, Commerce 

The Dark Horse for Antitrust Chief, FTC

Progressive groups have lambasted a number of potential candidates for the role of Justice Department antitrust chief over the individuals’ ties to tech companies.

President Biden faces pressure from tech advocates to nominate final FCC commissioner

A coalition of more than 30 advocacy groups are calling on President Joe Biden and congressional leadership to fill the final vacancy at the Federal Communications Commission immediately. While President Biden recently named Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel the acting chairwoman of the FCC, the agency was left with a vacancy when former Chairman Ajit Pai stepped down on Inauguration Day. 32 advocacy organizations argued in a letter to the Biden administration and members of the Senate that there needed to be a "speedy nomination and confirmation of a fifth commissioner" to the FCC so it can

Jockeying to Shape Biden's Broadband Vision Heats Up

As President Joe Biden fills out his top administration posts and his digital agenda, advocates are rushing forward with ideas for just how his team and the Federal Communications Commission should proceed, touting structural reforms and emphasizing equity concerns.

FCC Commissioner Simington Appoints Advisors and Other Aides

Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Nathan Simington has appointed Carolyn Roddy to serve as his wireline advisor and chief of staff, Erin Boone to serve as his wireless advisor, Adam Cassady to serve as his media advisor, Michael Sweeney to serve as his confidential assistant, and Carlos Minnix to serve as staff assistant.

Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel Announces Staff Appointments and Special Designations

Acting Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the following staff appointments and special designations to the Office of the Chairwoman.

Acting FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Appoints Acting General Counsel and Acting Wireless Chief

Acting Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the appointment of P. Michele Ellison as Acting General Counsel and Joel Taubenblatt as Acting Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau.  Tom Johnson is stepping down as General Counsel and has agreed to continue to serve in the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Don Stockdale will be transitioning to the Office of Economics and Analytics.

Some Personal Reflections

As I saw President Joe Biden sworn in, my mind went back to the Senate as I knew it in the 1970s. It was a better place then. Don’t get me wrong, it was far from perfect. But there was civility, cooperation, an ability to listen rather than simply bloviate, willingness to cross the aisle on issues and votes, and, importantly, pride in the institution of the Senate. Members spent time together, traveled together, went to one another’s homes for dinner, across party lines.

Buttigieg Eyes Broadband

Peter Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend (IN) and President Biden’s nominee to head the Transportation Department gave a shoutout to broadband internet during his Senate Commerce nomination hearing on Jan 21, which could help elevate the issue in a Biden infrastructure push. Buttigieg will be a leading figure on infrastructure matters if confirmed. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), who co-chairs the Broadband Caucus, used her questioning to probe the matter.

Department of Agriculture Announces Key Staff Appointments

The Department of Agriculture today announced the names of individuals who will hold senior staff positions including:

Justin Maxson named USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development

The US Department of Agriculture announced Justin Maxson, CEO of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, has been named Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development. Maxson served as the CEO of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, an organization that works toward poverty alleviation and economic justice in southern states. Before that, he spent 13 years as the president of the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development.

Reactions to Commissioner Rosenworcel Named Acting Chair of FCC

President Joe Biden has named Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel as acting chair of the Federal Communications Commission. 

Statement Of Commissioner Geoffrey Starks On Leadership Transition

Congratulations to my friend and colleague Jessica Rosenworcel on her designation as acting Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission. For many years, Jessica has been a passionate advocate for bringing the benefits of broadband to all Americans—particularly our children. Her designation comes at a critical juncture for the Commission, as COVID-19 has made bold action to end internet inequality more vital than ever. I look forward to working with her to close the digital divide and on the wide range of pressing issues facing the Commission.

Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel on Designation to Lead FCC

I am honored to be designated as the Acting Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission by President Biden. I thank the President for the opportunity to lead an agency with such a vital mission and talented staff. It is a privilege to serve the American people and work on their behalf to expand the reach of communications opportunity in the digital age.

Minority Leader Rodgers Announces House Commerce Committee Republican Subcommittee Leaders and Republican Roster

House Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) announced the Republican subcommittee leaders and subcommittee rosters for the 117th Congress.

The six subcommittees and their Republican Subcommittee Leaders are:

Senior Advisor Gene Kimmelman Resigns from Public Knowledge to Join Justice Department

Public Knowledge Senior Advisor Gene Kimmelman announced his resignation in order to serve as Senior Counselor for President Joe Biden’s Associate Attorney General at the Department of Justice. This will be a limited duration position.

Chairman Pai Statement Upon Departing the FCC

Over the past four years, we have delivered results for the American people, from narrowing the digital divide to advancing American leadership in 5G, from protecting consumers and national security to keeping Americans connected during the pandemic, from modernizing our media rules to making the agency more transparent and nimble. It has been a privilege to lead the agency over its most productive period in recent history. None of this—not a single action, big or small—would have been possible without the incredible staff of the FCC.

Outgoing FCC Chief Says Government Laid Groundwork for Faster Networks

Ajit Pai’s four years atop the Federal Communications Commission outlasted many senior officials in the Trump administration where tenure was often measured in months. Some of that longevity owed to the independence of the commission, where Senate-confirmed officials are hard to remove during their terms. It also reflected Mr.

FCC Commissioner Carr Announces Greg Watson as Policy Advisor

Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr announced that Greg Watson has joined his office as Policy Advisor. Prior to joining Commissioner Carr’s office, Greg served as a Policy Advisor to the Chief Technology Officer of the United States in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy where he led efforts to increase broadband access through the American Broadband Initiative. He was also involved with the Administration’s efforts to advance America’s leadership in 5G.

Chairman Pallone Announces House Commerce Subcommittee Chairs and Democratic Roster

House Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced the full Democratic rosters for each of the six subcommittees in the 117th Congress, including the six subcommittee chairs and the full Committee vice chair, who were elected by the Democrats on the Committee. The six subcommittees and their chairs are:

The Senate Republicans' gambit to deadlock the FCC failed

Shortly after the election, it appeared that Republicans in the Senate hoped to gum up the Federal Communications Commission and potentially block Biden from filling it out. In early December, the Senate rammed through the nomination of Nathan Simington, a person handpicked by President Donald Trump to serve on the FCC whose selection 

Color of Change Backs Geoffrey Starks for FCC Chairman

Color of Change, a civil rights group, urged President-elect Joe Biden to choose Commissioner Geoffrey Starks to be the Federal Communications Commission's next chairman. Commissioner Starks is junior to fellow Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, who took office in 2012 and is widely considered to be a leading candidate for the chair. She would be the first woman named FCC chair, other than a Mignon Clyburn who served as acting chairwoman in 2013. Commissioner Starks “has demonstrated and recently reaffirmed his commitment to digital equity,” Color Of Change President Rashad Robinson said.

Republican Leader Rodgers Welcomes Eight New Members to the House Commerce Committee

The House Republican Steering Committee selected eight new members to serve on the House Commerce Committee:

Appointment of Membership for Fourth Term of Disability Advisory Committee

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai appointed members for the fourth two-year term of the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC). There will be 34 members and 4 ex officio members, a diverse mix of organizations representing individuals with disabilities, the communications and video programming industries, the public safety industry, trade associations, researchers, and other stakeholders.