Senate prospects for reconfirming Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel seemed to plummet Thursday, which would mean she would have to soon leave the FCC. The approval is believed to require filing for cloture, a timely process that no longer fits into expectations for the Senate’s remaining minimal time. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler committed to Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., earlier this week that he would resign immediately if it would ensure Rosenworcel’s confirmation, an agency spokesman confirmed.
Members of Senate leadership didn’t rule out a possible leadership-level deal under discussion to reconfirm FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel before Congress leaves in a matter of days. But the bipartisan Commerce Committee legislation stalled as a result of her holdup is likely doomed this session, its author and his principal telecom staffer said. A deal on Rosenworcel is believed to be the key to moving these bills through the Senate.
Members of Senate leadership didn’t rule out a possible leadership-level deal under discussion to reconfirm FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel before Congress leaves in a matter of days. But the bipartisan Commerce Committee legislation stalled as a result of her holdup is likely doomed this session, its author and his principal telecom staffer said. A deal on Rosenworcel is believed to be the key to moving these bills through the Senate.
A chorus of conservative groups is telling Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., not to accept a deal to reconfirm FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel this year. Congress remains in session for perhaps no longer than this week, and she will have to leave the agency if not reconfirmed this session. GOP holds have prevented her from advancing all year. The groups fear a deadlocked FCC under the incoming administration. A senior Senate Republican confirmed Monday that Republicans are seeking to wrap in a GOP commissioner reconfirmation.
A chorus of conservative groups is telling Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., not to accept a deal to reconfirm FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel this year. Congress remains in session for perhaps no longer than this week, and she will have to leave the agency if not reconfirmed this session. GOP holds have prevented her from advancing all year. The groups fear a deadlocked FCC under the incoming administration. A senior Senate Republican confirmed Monday that Republicans are seeking to wrap in a GOP commissioner reconfirmation.
Senate leaders still may reach a deal to reconfirm FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel before the Democrat has to leave the agency at the end of this Congress, officials from Capitol Hill and industry told us Wednesday. Her reconfirmation has faced GOP holds for close to a year. Some industry lobbyists said the deal also may address the reconfirmation of Commissioner Ajit Pai. Congress is expected to adjourn as soon as next week.
Senate leaders still may reach a deal to reconfirm FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel before the Democrat has to leave the agency at the end of this Congress, officials from Capitol Hill and industry told us Wednesday. Her reconfirmation has faced GOP holds for close to a year. Some industry lobbyists said the deal also may address the reconfirmation of Commissioner Ajit Pai. Congress is expected to adjourn as soon as next week.
The latest iteration of net neutrality rules formally kicked off with a 3-2 party-line vote by FCC members in front of a standing-room-only crowd on Feb. 26, 2015. After many twists and turns in a lengthy process with millions of comments submitted, that included a significant course correction by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, the final order was released in March 2015. It reclassified broadband as a Title II telecom service subject to some common-carrier regulation under the Communications Act.
Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel opposed the FCC voting on four major items that were pulled from the commissioners' Thursday meeting, two informed sources told us Friday. Rosenworcel told Chairman Tom Wheeler and another person she wouldn't vote for the items at the meeting, said one. The other, an industry representative, said Rosenworcel told Wheeler she wasn't comfortable voting on the items after congressional Republicans urged the FCC to refrain from taking controversial actions as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. GOP commissioners made it clear the agenda items were controversial (see 1611150052).
Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel opposed the FCC voting on four major items that were pulled from the commissioners' Thursday meeting, two informed sources told us Friday. Rosenworcel told Chairman Tom Wheeler and another person she wouldn't vote for the items at the meeting, said one. The other, an industry representative, said Rosenworcel told Wheeler she wasn't comfortable voting on the items after congressional Republicans urged the FCC to refrain from taking controversial actions as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. GOP commissioners made it clear the agenda items were controversial (see 1611150052).