The Trump administration has indicated that it plans to renominate Jessica Rosenworcel to the Federal Communications Commission, after withdrawing her nomination earlier this year.
The nomination news came in a late-night notification from the White House.
Rosenworcel, a Democrat, served as FCC commissioner between 2012 until 2017. President Barack Obama had nominated her for another term shortly before he left office, but her position was not confirmed.
U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), issued a statement in support of Rosenworcel’s nomination that said, “Hallelujah, better late than never. The Senate should now move quickly to confirm her and fulfil (sic) the promise that was made two years ago.” Nelson is the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee.
The FCC currently has only three sitting members (pictured above), including Republican chairman Ajit Pai and fellow Republican Michael O’Rielly as well as Democrat commissioner Mignon Clyburn (whose term ends June 30). The FCC typically has five members, with the party of the presidential administration represented by the FCC chairman. Nominations to the FCC are often made in pairs, with one representative from each party, and it is unlikely that the administration would foster a situation where 2-2 votes could dilute Republican power. Reuters reported that Trump is expected to nominate Brendan Carr, a Republican who is currently general counsel at the FCC, to the remaining open seat.
Clyburn issued a statement congratulating Rosenworcel on the intended nomination.
“Jessica has been a tireless advocate for bridging the ‘homework gap,’ a leader in the effort to modernize our 911 call centers, and a champion for freeing up more unlicensed spectrum,” Clyburn said. “I look forward to working with her in the fight for an open internet, affordable broadband and strong consumer privacy protections.”
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