Is the FCC Connecting America?

On March 31, the House Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing called "Connecting America: Oversight of the FCC." Each of the current four Federal Communications Commissioners testified before the subcommittee, led by Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and including Brendan Carr, Nathan Simington, and Geoffrey Starks. Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) chaired the hearing. He praised the FCC's bipartisan work over the past 14 months, operating with two Democrats and two Republican commissioners. He said that he hoped the Senate will soon confirm Gigi Sohn, President Joe Biden's nominee for the FCC's open fifth seat. In his opening remarks, House Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) noted how broadband and connectivity have proven essential to everyone’s lives. He stated that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress enacted a number of programs administered by the FCC to help people afford and adopt broadband service.