The House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology — the Congressional body that has direct oversight of the FCC — has a new Chief Counsel. And, it is someone who has strong ties to Dish Network, Sling TV and Boost Mobile.
Getting the role is Michael Essington, who led efforts at EchoStar Corporations to engage Republicans on Capitol Hill and the Trump Administration as Senior Manager of Government Affairs.
Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) did not state if EchoStar had a different individual handling discussions with Democrats in Congress, or if it did not engage with Democrats at all.
Essington’s resume includes eight years in both the House of Representatives and Senate. This includes roles as General Counsel for Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana), where he focused on commerce, telecom, and media issues.
Essington has also been an Associate Attorney at Husch Blackwell in Chicago.
