After nearly half a year functioning as a three-member body, the Federal Communications Commission could soon be fully staffed again.
In an expected move, President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening nominated Brendan Carr to fill the open Republican seat on the Commission. The move comes around two weeks after Trump tapped FCC alum Jessica Rosenworcel to retake the open Democratic seat. Both Carr and Rosenworcel will need to be approved by the Senate before assuming their seats on the Commission.
“I congratulate Brendan Carr on the President’s announcement that he will be nominated to serve as an FCC Commissioner,” FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said. “Brendan’s expertise on wireless policy and public safety will be a tremendous asset to the Commission. I look forward to working with him in his new role and wish him all the best during the confirmation process.”
Carr has served as Pai’s Wireless, Public Safety, and International legal advisor for the past several years, moving to that role from a position in the FCC’s Office of the General Counsel. Prior to joining the Commission, Carr worked as an attorney for the law firm Wiley Rein LLP. There, he specialized in telecommunications, representing clients including carriers like AT&T and Verizon as well as industry associations like USTelecom and CTIA.
The National Association of Broadcasters said it “strongly” endorsed Carr for the position, citing his “firm grasp on telecom and media law” as well as his possession of what it called “the right temperament” for a Commissioner. Cable operators Comcast and Charter were also quick to express approval of Trump’s pick.
“Brendan’s vast knowledge of the communications industry, combined with his strong legal credentials, will allow him to hit the ground running as the Commission pursues policies to stimulate investment and job creation in the communications marketplace to benefit consumers and drive economic growth,” Comcast EVP and Chief Diversity Officer David Cohen commented. “We congratulate Brendan on his well-deserved nomination and look forward to working with him on the Commission.”
“Given his previous experience as the FCC’s General Counsel and in the telecommunications sector, Carr brings years of valuable know-how to this leadership role,” Charter added in its own statement. “We look forward to working with him and his colleagues on the Commission to continue to advance policies that encourage businesses to innovate, invest in broadband infrastructure, create more jobs, and grow the economy in communities across the U.S.”
Filed Under: Industry regulations
