WASHINGTON-Commissioner Susan Ness said on Thursday that she will leave the Federal Communications Commission by June 1 even though her designated replacement may not be confirmed by then.
“Although I do not know when the president will formally nominate or the Senate will confirm these excellent choices, I believe that an orderly transition is best accomplished by announcing when my time with the commission will end. My departure will be no later than June 1st,” Ness said.
The White House said on April 7 that President George W. Bush intended to nominate Michael J. Copps to replace Ness.
Copps has a Ph.D. in U.S. history and was an official in the Clinton Department of Commerce. He is a former aide to Sen. Ernest F. Hollings (D-S.C.), ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee.
Legg Mason Equity Research said that if Copps is not confirmed before Ness leaves, the resulting 2-1 majority could mean the end of the spectrum caps.
“It could allow Chairman Powell to lift or ease spectrum caps on cellular and other wireless mobile carriers this summer something that is backed by GOP Commissioner [Harold] Furchtgott-Roth. Final comments are due by mid-May, meaning a decision could become ripe during the period when there might be only three commissioners,” according to Legg Mason.
