FCC's Rosenworcel Could Still Get Confirmation Vote

There was some buzz late on Nov 29 that Democratic Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel of the Federal Communications Commission could get an 11th hour confirmation vote after all. Without that Senate vote, she would have to leave the commission at the beginning of January. Retiring Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said they were close to a deal for Commissioner Rosenworcel's vote. Incoming Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was also said to be interested in the outcome. Apparently, they had been told that if Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) could get some Democratic help with his pick for a seat on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which has also been held up, Commissioner Rosenworcel might be able to get a vote. Apparently, Sen John Thune (R-SD) had signaled that FCC chairman Tom Wheeler's failure to commit to leaving the FCC—he has signaled he is likely not staying but has not made it official—was one hold-up in getting a Senate floor vote on Rosenworcel's confirmation, though it is McConnell that controls the calendar. Reid had reportedly said a deal was in the works.