WASHINGTON-Democratic Federal Communications Commission Jonathan Adelstein won strong bipartisan support for a new term at a Senate confirmation hearing this morning, with Senate Commerce Committee members venting anger at the Bush White House for delaying the reappointment for two years.
Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) said the administration’s refusal to process the renomination request of outgoing Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.)-who was a mentor to Adelstein when the FCC member worked on Capitol Hill-“shows an arrogance and partisanship that is unusual.”
“This was pure partisanship,” Dorgan fumed. “Those who engineered this at the White House did no service to public service.”
Adelstein, whose prospects for reappointment already appeared dim as a result of inaction by the White House, worsened after Daschle lost to Rep John Thune (R-S.D.) earlier this month. But a high-level political deal struck after the Nov. 2 elections paved the way for Monday evening’s renomination of Adelstein and the Senate confirmation hearing today. In return, according to some sources, Democrats agreed to stop blocking Senate approval of a slew of federal judges appointed by President Bush.
Adelstein, whose term ended in 2003 but was allowed to serve until the end of this Congress, was one of six nominees testifying before the Senate Commerce panel.
“I look forward to moving these nominations quickly,” said Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.). McCain steps down as chairman at the end of the 108th Congress, turning over the reins to Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska).
While mass-media issues dominated the hearing, Adelstein was pressed by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) on why wireless carriers serving rural areas continue to face problems securing universal service funds.
“I think wireless solutions in rural communities are taking hold,” said Cantwell, a former high-tech businesswoman.
Adelstein said the FCC is giving guidance to the states on qualifications for tapping into the universal service fund, and he believed “the current situation is stable.”
After the hearing, Cantwell said she would pursue the issue further with Adelstein.
Meantime, key wireless legislation-relocation fund and E911 bills-remained pending in Congress. Industry lobbyists said they continue to be optimistic about passage before lawmakers adjourn at the end of the week.
