Senate Approves Anna Gomez as Fifth Federal Communications Commissioner

WASHINGTON, September 7, 2023 – The Senate voted Thursday to approve Anna Gomez as the fifth commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, finally completing the panel and breaking the party deadlock in favor of the Democrats.

The Democrat-held Senate voted 55-43 in favor of President Joe Biden’s May nomination.

The vote breaks the almost two-and-a-half year delay in filling the last commissioner seat after the FCC was stuck in a deadlock.

Gigi Sohn, an internet advocate and co-founder of Public Knowledge, was originally nominated for the fifth commissioner in October 2021, but stepped down earlier this year, citing “dark money political groups” tainting her career. She had been in front of the Senate commerce committee three times about her nomination, with Republicans accusing her of being partial on the relevant issues.

“Congratulations to Anna Gomez on her confirmation by the United States Senate,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement. “Anna brings with her a wealth of telecommunications experience, a substantial record of public service, and a history of working to ensure the United States stays on the cutting edge of keeping us all connected.

“Her international expertise will be a real asset to the agency. I look forward to working with her to advance the agency’s mission to ensure the benefits of modern communications reach everyone, everywhere and that the United States can continue to lead in the digital age,” Rosenworcel added.

Positive comments poured from organizations including Free Press Action, America’s Communication Association, and Competitive Carriers Association.

“CCA is enthusiastic about collaborating with Commissioner Gomez and a full Commission to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the rapidly changing wireless landscape” said CCA president and CEO Tim Donovan in a statement.

Chris Lewis, CEO of Public Knowledge, offered his congratulations to the new commissioner. “We are excited for the diversity and experience Ms. Gomez brings to the agency.”

Gomez served as a senior advisor for international information and communications policy in the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. She served as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Deputy Administrator from 2009 to 2013 and spent over a decade in various positions at the FCC.

Current commissioners Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr were also nominated by Biden in May but have yet to get Senate votes. Starks must be voted in before the end of the year or he must resign; Carr can serve throughout 2024 without reconfirmation.