Nomination and confirmation efforts begin as key rulemaking and policy actions are placed on hold.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently unable to conduct official business following the recent resignations of Commissioners Nathan Simington and Geoffrey Starks. Their departure left the agency without the needed quorum of at least three commissioners to vote on rules or major decisions.
Only two commissioners remain, Chairman Brendan Carr and Anna Gomez, in a 1-1 partisan split that has stalled significant initiatives, including the chairman’s deregulation efforts. The FCC retains limited authority to process routine procedural matters if both remaining commissioners agree.
To restore full function, President Trump has nominated Olivia Trusty, Senate Commerce Committee policy director, to the seat vacated by former Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. Her confirmation has cleared the committee stage, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune filing “cloture” to advance the process.
Meanwhile, potential replacements for Simington are being discussed. However, until at least one more commissioner is confirmed, the FCC will remain largely inactive on major policy fronts.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the Senate as they consider the confirmation of Olivia Trusty to the FCC.
- For Chairman Carr and Commissioner Gomez as they await a third commissioner to proceed with agency business.
Sources: National Religious Broadcasters, Broadcast Law Blog
