Reactions to President Biden's Nominations to the Federal Communications Commission

"We are pleased that President Biden has announced these excellent nominees," said Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Executive Director Adrianne B. Furniss. "While we remain disappointed that our colleague Gigi Sohn did not receive the confirmation vote she so richly deserved, we are confident that Anna Gomez will be able to join Geoffrey Starks and Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel as strong protectors of the public interest. While we often do not agree with Commissioner Carr on policy matters, we also recognize that he has been an effective member of the Commission, particularly on spectrum policy."

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, "I congratulate Anna Gomez on her nomination to serve as FCC Commissioner. She brings with her a wealth of telecommunications experience, a substantial record of public service, and a history of working to ensure the U.S. stays on the cutting edge of keeping us all connected. I wish her all the best during the confirmation process."

FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington said, "I offer heartfelt congratulations to Anna Gomez on her nomination to serve as an FCC Commissioner. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with her to the Commission and I look forward to serving with her...I look forward to working to further the public interest with all five of my colleagues in the near future."

“I would like to congratulate Anna Gomez, and my colleague Brendan Carr, on their nominations today," said FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. "Anna is one of the Nation’s preeminent communications policy experts, and her experience would bring a unique and valuable perspective to the agency. Commissioner Carr is a committed public servant with extensive knowledge of the communications sector and the challenging policy matters we confront every day at the FCC. I look forward to potentially serving alongside both of them, and to an FCC that is working at full strength."

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr said, "I want to extend my congratulations to Anna Gomez on her nomination by President Biden to serve on the Commission. Ms. Gomez’s career demonstrates a longstanding commitment to public service—from her leadership in the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy to her previous service as staff counsel in the U.S. Senate and roles at the FCC, White House, and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). I would welcome the chance to work together as colleagues on policies that will protect consumers and promote the interests of all Americans."

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson said, “A fully staffed Federal Communications Commission is critical to deliver on President Biden’s promise to close the digital divide. Anna Gomez, who previously served in leadership at NTIA, has had a distinguished career and will bring a wealth of experience to the agency. I congratulate Anna on her nomination, and I hope Congress quickly confirms her. I also congratulate Commissioners Starks and Carr on their renominations.”

"The National Lifeline Association (NaLA) congratulates Anna Gomez on her nomination by President Biden to serve as FCC commissioner and applauds the selection of a member of the Latino community," said the National Lifeline Association (NaLa). "NaLA also congratulates Commissioners Carr and Starks on their renominations to continue their work as FCC commissioners. NaLA looks forward to working with Ms. Gomez, Mr. Carr, Mr. Starks and the full FCC to ensure that all Americans have affordable access to essential communication services."

"The National Spectrum Consortium congratulates Anna Gomez on her nomination to serve as an FCC commissioner. Her unique blend of experiences at NTIA, the FCC and the private sector give her a holistic understanding of the full spectrum ecosystem -- key to understanding NSC's diverse membership."

“We’re now approaching two-and-a-half years without a fully functional Federal Communications Commission," said Free Press Co-CEO Jessica J. González. "Never before has the American public had to wait so long for a commissioner’s seat to be filled. This senseless delay is harming millions of people, including working families trying to pay their rising monthly bills and Black, Indigenous, Latinx and rural communities that the biggest telecom companies and broadcast conglomerates have long neglected. [Gomez] is eminently qualified for this role at the FCC. She would also be the first Latinx FCC commissioner in more than two decades, and we celebrate the White House’s nomination of experts from diverse backgrounds for these important roles."

“For far too long, the Biden administration and Senate leaders have left us without a full, five-person FCC while important issues are in front of the agency," said Public Knowledge President and CEO Chris Lewis. "Anna Gomez has deep, demonstrated experience working for the public on telecommunications and technology issues. Her decades of experience in the telecommunications sector, most of those spent serving the public interest, will allow Ms. Gomez to get right to work at the FCC, which is critical to help the FCC move forward with its agenda of ensuring all people have access to communications services. Her work for the FCC and the NTIA will be beneficial as the administration and Congress increasingly look towards these two agencies to coordinate efforts to close the digital divide."

"We at the National Hispanic Media Coalition are elated with President Biden’s decision to nominate Anna Gomez to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This is a monumental step forward for our community, as it has been over two decades since a Latino commissioner has represented our community via one of the agency’s five commissioner seats. As nearly 20 percent of the United States population, having a Latino voice on the Commission is crucial for the digital age. Anna Gomez's extensive experience in telecommunications and her dedication to public service make her the perfect candidate for the role. Her expertise will be invaluable as the FCC works to enact regulations, like preventing digital discrimination, restoring net neutrality protections, and continuing to connect millions of people via the Affordable Connectivity Program. With her expertise and dedication, Anna Gomez will be a relentless force for equal access, championing communication opportunities for all."

"NTCA congratulates Anna Gomez on her nomination to serve as FCC Commissioner," said NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. "A dedicated public servant with a broad range of experiences working for service providers and in key leadership roles on telecommunications policy at several agencies, she has a thorough understanding of the challenges of ensuring that all Americans have access to reliable and affordable connectivity. On behalf of NTCA and our members, we look forward to working with her once she is confirmed to continue advancing and sustaining broadband connectivity for all Americans."

"Anna Gomez knows the issues and the policymaking process as well as anyone in Washington and has the respect of everyone she works with," said Wireless Infrastructure Association President and CEO Patrick Halley. "Her decades of experience within government and industry provides her with exactly the right blend of experience, skill and savvy to get things done. I also commend President Biden for renominating Commissioner Carr and Commissioner Starks. Continuing to lead the world in wireless requires strong, smart, and pragmatic leaders, qualities which apply to each of the nominees." said Patrick Halley, President and CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association."

Jonathan Spalter, president & CEO of USTelecom – The Broadband Association, said, "I congratulate Anna Gomez on her nomination as an FCC Commissioner. I have come to know Anna over the years in her roles as an advocate in the public and private sectors, and if confirmed, I look forward to working with her and a full five-member FCC on our shared objective to connect everyone everywhere to the power and promise of broadband. I also congratulate Commissioners Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr on their renomination, and welcome the chance to continue advancing our common goal of connecting all communities."

“Anna Gomez’s deep knowledge across the breadth of issues before the FCC makes her exceptionally qualified to be a Commissioner," said Comcast Chief Legal Officer Tom Reid. "In addition to her prior service at the FCC, she also has extensive experience in both the executive and legislative branches of government – from NTIA and the Senate, and most recently leading the US delegation to the ITU World radio conference.  From the digital broadcast transition to spectrum issues, Ms. Gomez has expertise across the board."

“Anna Gomez's extensive background in the State Department, FCC, NTIA, and corporate law makes her eminently qualified for the role. If confirmed, she would bring valuable expertise and a diverse perspective to the FCC, benefitting the public and the marketplace,” said John Windhausen Jr., Executive Director of the Schools, Health and Libraries (SHLB) Coalition. “We also support the renomination of Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr. Restoring the FCC to full strength is essential to fulfilling our goal of ensuring affordable and accessible broadband for anchor institutions and their communities. The SHLB Coalition looks forward to working with Ms. Gomez, Mr. Carr, and Mr. Starks, and the entire FCC to expand broadband access for anchor institutions and bridge the digital divide.”

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, “NAB congratulates Anna Gomez on her nomination by President Biden to serve as an FCC Commissioner. Ms. Gomez possesses a wealth of experience in media and telecommunications, most notably from her service as acting administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration during the nation’s transition to digital television. With Next Gen TV launching in markets around the country, if confirmed, Ms. Gomez can bring her demonstrated ability to work with industry, manufacturers and consumers to help ensure a smooth and expeditious transition for millions of Americans."

"We look forward to working with Anna [Gomez} as we have with each of the other four Commissioners and welcome her deep knowledge and expertise on a number of issues, specifically her work at NTIA and in the private sector," said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering. "The Commission has been stuck in a 2-2 log jam for far too long. We urge the Senate to act swiftly on these nominations so the Commission can finally begin to tackle the pending matters before the committee and make real progress towards closing the digital divide and bringing Internet for all."

"The Communications Workers of America (CWA) applaud President Biden’s nomination of Anna Gomez to the Federal Communications Commission. Gomez is a dedicated public servant who is highly qualified to serve on the FCC at this critical time. For too long, we have been without a full roster of FCC commissioners as industry lobbyists and their Republican allies in the Senate delayed and obstructed President Biden’s nominee. This must not happen again. The future of our telecommunications and media industries is heavily contested, with policy questions before the FCC that pit corporate profits against the public interest. We must realize the potential of the bipartisan infrastructure bill to bring affordable internet service to all Americans. We must reverse the decline of local news that threatens the foundations of our democracy. We urge the Senate to take quick action on this nomination."

“CTIA and the wireless industry congratulate Anna Gomez on her nomination as an FCC Commissioner," said CTIA President and CEO Meredith Atwell Baker. "In her current role as U.S. Representative to WRC-23, and previous NTIA and FCC experience, she has amassed an impressive track record in public service and brings the knowledge and expertise needed to address the critical challenges we face in closing the digital divide and securing America’s 5G leadership. Throughout her career, Ms. Gomez has consistently demonstrated her ability to build consensus and navigate intricate policy landscapes to the benefit of all stakeholders. We look forward to her swift confirmation by the Senate.”

“We congratulate Anna Gomez on her nomination to serve as FCC Commissioner and FCC Commissioners Carr and Starks on their renomination," said NCTA–The Internet & Television Association. "If confirmed by the Senate, each of these individuals will play a critical role in designing policies that will promote continued investment and innovation in America’s digital future. We look forward to upcoming hearings and consideration of these important nominations in the weeks ahead.”

“Anna Gomez is the right choice to serve as our next FCC commissioner,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA). “Since 2021, I have advocated for her nomination because I firmly believe in her values, experience, and abilities. Over her nearly 30 years of experience in telecommunications and technology policy, she has been a powerful voice for advancing American innovation and promoting digital equity. Her exceptional track record of public service at the NTIA, FCC, State Department, National Economic Council, and Senate Commerce Committee exemplify her commitment to fighting for every American’s ability to succeed in the 21st century economy.” 


Reactions to Anna Gomez's Nomination to the Federal Communications Commission President Biden Nominates Anna Gomez to Fill the FCC's Fifth Seat, Renominates Current Commissioners Starks and Carr Public Knowledge Welcomes Nomination of Anna Gomez as FCC Comissioner Momentum Builds for Anna Gomez after FCC Nomination Statement on FCC Nominations Comcast Statement on FCC Nomination and Renominations Simington Statement on FCC Nominees Chairwoman Rosenworcel Statement on FCC Cmr Nominations Carr Statement on FCC Nominations Starks Statement on FCC Nominees SHLB Coalition Commends President Biden's Nomination of Gomez, Carr and Starks for FCC NAB Statement on FCC Nominations INCOMPAS Applauds FCC Nominations CWA Applauds Nomination of Anna Gomez to the FCC CTIA Statement on Nomination of Anna Gomez as Commissioner to the FCC Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Nominations to the Federal Communications Commission MATSUI STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT BIDEN’S NOMINATION OF ANNA GOMEZ FOR FCC OPENING Statement of Assistant Secretary Davidson on the nomination of Anna Gomez to the Federal Communications Commission Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Looks Forward to Full FCC