Carr, Starks confirmed to five-year terms
The U.S. Senate has confirmed two FCC commissioners to five-year terms. Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks were confirmed by voice vote late Saturday, amid a rush by federal legislators to avoid a government shutdown.
Carr, a Republican, was confirmed to a five-year term that is retroactive to July 1, 2023; Starks, a Democrat, was also confirmed to a five-year term, retroactive to July 1, 2022.
The confirmation of the two commissioners ensures that a full FCC continues to be seated, now that a fifth commissioner, Anna Gomez, has been seated.
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, said in a statement on the confirmations: “Americans need a fully-equipped FCC that is ready to deliver on an agenda that puts consumers first. The agency cannot afford another deadlock or delay when it comes to expanding affordable broadband, protecting the security of our communications networks, driving innovative spectrum policies, and strengthening our local news.” The confirmation of Starks and Carr, she added, “allows the FCC to have full membership and move forward.”
“The passion and dedication for public service exhibited by Commissioners Carr and Starks exemplify the qualities needed at the FCC,” said Comcast’s chief legal officer, Tom Reid, in a statement on the confirmations. “We are fortunate to have their continued leadership on issues like broadband investment and regulation and closing the digital divide that will keep our country at the top of global communications policy. We look forward to continuing to work with the Commissioners on these and other important issues.”
With the FCC now in the hands of a Democratic majority, three years into the Biden administration, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has indicated that she plans on reviving Title II regulation of broadband services.
Rosenworcel congratulated Carr and Starks on their unanimous confirmations by the Senate, and said: “With a complete Senate-confirmed Commission, the FCC is now ready to take on our full slate of work and fulfill our commitment to ensuring Americans everywhere have access to the best, most reliable communication services in the world.”
