Anna Gomez becomes FCC’s 5th commissioner

The Senate’s confirmation of Anna Gomez as the FCC’s fifth commissioner restores its ability to act faster on communication and space regulations.

After a year and a half of Republican opposition to Gigi Sohn on questionable grounds, Gomez was nominated in June. She will be the third Democratic commissioner at the agency, which is 3:2 in favor of the administration.

After Ajit Pai’s unpopular tenure under Trump, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has focused on improving broadband access and space-related rules. The agency has been limited by a 2:2 deadlock on political issues like net neutrality without a full count of commissioners.

The FCC has done what it can, but its rules are thankfully less partisan than many others, and everyone seems to agree that broadband should be cheaper and better nationwide.

Over the loud and still dubious objections of Sen. Ted Cruz (TX), Gomez’s confirmation allowed the FCC to operate as an independent expert agency working with, but not for, the executive branch.

Gomez’s soon-to-be colleagues welcomed her with official statements, but they didn’t say what her vote would accomplish. In 2016–2020, net neutrality rules were repealed and mobile and broadband provider regulations were relaxed. With a full count, Rosenworcel’s FCC could reinstate some of those rules with stronger legal support (net neutrality was overturned on thin grounds) or write new broadband privacy regulations in a tech world that is increasingly skeptical.

However, we may learn more at the next FCC meeting (September 21st) or in future statements. That meeting is already full, but they will likely hint at what’s next.

The other commissioners commented on Anna Gomez’s confirmation:

“As I said when she was nominated, Anna’s a true expert, and her depth of experience will benefit the agency and the public we serve.” Commissioner Geoffrey Starks

The career of Ms. Gomez shows a strong dedication to public service. I welcome her as a colleague and look forward to working on consumer protection and American interests policies together.” Commissioner Brendan Carr

Ms. Gomez has spent her career serving the public, and she will continue to do so as Commissioner. Looking forward to working with her.” Commissioner Nathan Simington

From Chair Rosenworcel:

Anna has extensive telecommunications experience, a strong public service record, and a history of helping the US stay connected. Her international experience will benefit the agency. I look forward to working with her to advance the agency’s mission to ensure modern communications benefits everyone, everywhere and that the US can lead in the digital age.”