President Barack Obama has announced the nomination of FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel for a second term. The Democrat took her seat on the Commission in 2011.
Her current term expires later this summer.
Her resume includes two key planks that pertain directly to her current position.
She was initially recommended for Senate confirmation by the body’s Commerce Committee. She is a former employee of that committee.
She was confirmed as an FCC commissioner, and was an advisor to former FCC Commissioner Michael Copps.
Rosenworcel stated, “I am honored that the President has indicated his intent to nominate me for a new term as Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission. During my tenure at the agency it has been a tremendous privilege to work with my colleagues, the talented staff of the Commission, and the American people to develop policies that expand access to modern communications and the opportunities of the digital age. I look forward to the United States Senate considering my nomination and the continuing opportunity to serve.”
NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith stated, “NAB congratulates Commissioner Rosenworcel on her renomination to the FCC. She has proven to be a dedicated public servant and a leader in public safety, technology and consumer protection. We appreciate her fair treatment and open door policy toward broadcast-related issues and strongly support her swift confirmation.”
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said, “Throughout her entire tenure in public service, Commissioner Rosenworcel has been a tireless advocate for increasing access to crucial telecommunications services and leveraging technology to improve people’s lives. It has been a privilege to serve alongside her, and I know the Commission will continue to benefit from her deep knowledge of the important issues before us and her thoughtful approach to the complex challenges we face.”
Mignon Clyuburn joined in, saying, “I congratulate my friend and colleague Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel on her renomination to a second term on the FCC. She has been a forceful advocate on E-rate, public safety, and spectrum policy and I look forward to continuing our work on behalf of the public interest and the American people.”
Ajit Pai also joined the chorus, stating, “I congratulate my colleague Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel on the President’s announcement that she will be nominated to a second term at the FCC. Commissioner Rosenworcel and I joined the Commission on the same day, and she has been a dedicated advocate ever since on issues ranging from public safety to the importance of freeing up more unlicensed spectrum. I look forward to continuing to work with Commissioner Rosenworcel in the time to come.”
Finally, Michael O’Rielly also weighed in, stating, “It is with warmest congratulations that I greet the news of my colleague’s renomination. Commissioner Rosenworcel and I have worked together on a number of initiatives, and her insights are always much appreciated. I wish her all the best in the confirmation process.”
RBR+TVBR observation: We expect this to be a routine procedure. Traditionally, both parties on the Hill have given each other latitude when naming members to the FCC.
Rosenworcel has been a reliable Democratic vote on those issues which tend to break down on party lines, but otherwise has done nothing of which we are aware to make herself a target of the opposition party.
If anybody did that in recent memory, it was Mr. Copps, and he never had no problems getting renominated to his chair.
The hang-up, as usual, will be the presence of a disgruntled senator who puts a hold on her nomination because of dissatisfaction regarding one issue or another. It doesn’t have to be even remotely related to communications.
The tactic is less effective with a sitting commissioner, however. It’s one thing to put a hold on a newbie, thus leaving the FCC 8th Floor short-handed.
Holding up a sitting commissioner would have to be a long-term proposition, since the held-up commissioner would likely be allowed to continue serving for quite some time while the nomination for a second term is pending.
