WASHINGTON-President Bush late Tuesday renominated Democrat Jonathan Adelstein to a new five-year term on the Federal Communications Commission, a stunning turnabout resulting from a high-level political deal following the defeat of Adelstein’s chief sponsor-Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.)-in the Nov. 2 elections.
Adelstein, a former Daschle aide, has carved out a niche at the FCC as a rural advocate. Adelstein’s term ended in 2003, but he was permitted to remain at the agency until the end of the current Congress. With the House and Senate opening a brief lame duck session today, a window of opportunity was created to squeeze the Adelstein appointment through Congress before lawmakers adjourn for the year.
The Senate Commerce Committee has scheduled a confirmation hearing for Thursday morning. The South Dakota Democrat could be confirmed before the end of the week. Adelstein’s new term would be through June 30, 2008.
Adelstein and fellow Democrat Michael Copps act as buffers to the three Republican members, who favor markets over regulation. As such, Adelstein’s positions do not always square with the wireless industry’s deregulatory agenda.
