Reaction to Biden's FCC and NTIA Nominations

Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell said, “Today’s announcement by the White House of its slate of nominees for the Federal Communications Commission and National Telecommunications and Information Administration comes at just the right time, with more work to do to improve our broadband deployment, spectrum management, and consumer protections. I am glad to see Jessica Rosenworcel nominated to be the Chair of the FCC, and I look forward to swiftly considering these nominations before the end of the year.”

“I am deeply humbled to be designated as Chair of the Federal Communications Commission by President Biden. It is an honor to work with my colleagues on the Commission and the agency’s talented staff to ensure that no matter who you are or where you live, everyone has the connections they need to live, work, and learn in the digital age,” said Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “I also want to congratulate Gigi Sohn on her nomination to serve as a Commissioner at the agency and Alan Davidson on his nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.”

“I want to extend my congratulations to Chairwoman Rosenworcel on her designation as Chair of the FCC and on her nomination by the White House to serve another five-year term. I also want to extend my congratulations to Gigi Sohn on her nomination to serve on the Commission," said FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr. “During the past ten months, under the leadership of Chairwoman Rosenworcel, I have enjoyed the chance to work in a bipartisan manner to advance the public interest, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue this important work with my FCC colleagues."

“I congratulate my friend and colleague Jessica Rosenworcel on her nomination and her designation as Chairwoman of the FCC. For many years, the Commission and the American people have benefitted from Jessica’s tireless advocacy for bringing the benefits of broadband to all Americans—particularly our children. I am excited to collaborate on the important work ahead for our agency," said FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. “In Gigi Sohn, President Biden has identified an accomplished leader whose talent, expertise, and experience will invigorate our work at the FCC. Protecting consumers, advancing national security, promoting diverse media, and making modern communications networks accessible and affordable for every American are enormous tasks that require a full-strength FCC. I look forward to working with Gigi. Finally, I applaud President Biden’s selection of Alan Davidson to lead NTIA. Alan’s deep experience and commitment to advancing the public interest make him an outstanding choice. The FCC’s longstanding collaboration with NTIA is essential to our nation’s efforts to connect every American to high-quality, affordable communications networks. I look forward to continuing that partnership under Alan’s leadership.”

FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington said, "I extend a heartfelt congratulations to Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel on her designation as permanent chair and look forward to continuing to work with her. I also congratulate Gigi Sohn on her nomination. The FCC has much important work to do and I am eager to continue to implement sound policy on a bipartisan basis.”

"On behalf of NTIA," said  Acting Assistant Secretary of Communications and Information Evelyn Remaley, "I want to congratulate Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel on her historic designation as the first woman to head the FCC. We are grateful for Jessica's leadership and we're looking forward to continuing our close relationship with the FCC on vital issues such as closing the digital divide and enabling the next generation of advanced communications.”

"In nominating Gigi Sohn to the Federal Communications Commission," said Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Executive Director Adrianne B. Furniss, "the President has made a wise choice for America’s broadband future. Sohn has long been at the forefront of helping advance pragmatic policies that help improve the lives of everyday Americans. She’s not only a broadband and telecommunications policy expert, but is expert at mastering complex policy issues, bringing disparate voices together to find common purpose, and pursuing the public interest.  We are excited that such a smart, committed, and capable leader will help guide the nation's communications future at such a pivotal time in history. Gigi is a leader that listens." 

"With today’s slate of nominations, President Biden is tapping leaders who will ensure that no area of America will have second-rate broadband (or worse, no access at all). Chairwoman Rosenworcel had decades of experience and a deep understanding that the future belongs to the connected. That future includes everyone in the U.S. We are sure that Chairwoman Rosenworcel will make closing the digital divide the commission’s top priority. With the U.S. on the cusp of an historic investment in broadband infrastructure, adoption, and affordability, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration plays a crucial role in America’s broadband future. Alan Davidson is the right person at the right time to lead the agency. He is an experienced public interest advocate known for promoting broadband access, adoption, openness, innovation, and competition. Together with Gigi Sohn's nomination, I look forward to swift confirmations of President Biden’s broadband leadership team."

"This is a dream team for anyone who cares about the future of the internet and the media. Nominating Rosenworcel, Sohn and Davidson would demonstrate the Biden administration’s commitment to making media and tech policy that will actually serve people," said Free Press President and Co-CEO Craig Aaron. 

Public Knowledge President and CEO Chris Lewis said, "Public Knowledge strongly supports and celebrates the reported nominations to the FCC and NTIA. Jessica Rosenworcel, Gigi Sohn, and Alan Davidson all have years of experience in fighting for the public interest in broadband policy, whether it is in government or the nonprofit sector. If reports are confirmed by the White House, these nominations will be historic and a clear indication that the Administration is ready to move forward with bold, but experienced leadership in the key agencies dealing with broadband policy. While later than normal, these nominees are the type of skilled leadership that our country needs at this time. It is vitally important that the Senate act quickly to review and confirm them so they can get to work on behalf of our many broadband and communications policy needs."

Sarah Morris, Director of New America’s Open Technology Institute, said, "I had the privilege of working with Alan Davidson during his tenure at New America and OTI, but his commitment to promoting a free and open internet transcends his roles in both the public interest and private sectors. His strategic and technical acumen, breadth of knowledge and experience across the full range of technology policy issues, and strong commitment to public interest values make him an excellent choice to lead the NTIA." She continued, "OTI has worked closely with Jessica Rosenworcel throughout her long career at the FCC, where she has been a tireless advocate for the public interest and a key ally for many OTI priorities, including defending net neutrality, expanding broadband connectivity, and modernizing spectrum policy.... She will be an outstanding permanent chair—making history as the first woman in this role—and we look forward to her continued leadership." OTI supports the nominees. "Gigi Sohn is a fierce champion for the public interest who will ensure the FCC advances policies that put people first. As the FCC’s first openly LGBTQ commissioner, her nomination is also historic. OTI has worked alongside Gigi in numerous coalitions, where she shines as a leader with an unwavering commitment to open, affordable, and privacy-protective communications that are accessible for all. She will have a large and lasting impact as the agency’s newest commissioner."

“It’s an exciting time to work on broadband, even more so when such a critical agency is stacked with extraordinary subject matter experts. Acting Chair Jessica Rosenworcel exemplifies grit and grace. For years, she has implored policy experts and the public to address the homework gap and other pain points that contribute to the digital divide. Gigi Sohn, Distinguished Fellow at the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy and Benton Senior Fellow, has led public interest advocates in a decade-long campaign for an open internet while inspiring countless organizations to support digital rights," said Francella Ochillo, Executive Director of Next Century Cities. “Together, alongside Commissioners Brendan Carr, Geoffrey Starks, and Nathan Simington, the FCC is poised to deliver on its promise of universal connectivity at a time when we simply have no other choice. Next Century Cities and the local officials in our network stand ready as thought partners and agents of change. We are all united in a commitment to bring high-speed connectivity within reach for every resident in every community.” 

"We are extremely pleased with President Biden’s announcements to appoint three outstanding leaders for the FCC and NTIA. Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel has been a longtime champion for anchor institution broadband connectivity, particularly with her support of the E-rate program and passion for addressing the homework gap. Gigi Sohn’s unparalleled commitment to the public interest will bring a fresh perspective to broadband issues and policies. Furthermore, Alan Davidson’s deep industry and government experience gives him the credentials to bring strong leadership to NTIA as it administers multiple broadband funding programs in the near future. I’m confident that today’s appointees will do great things for anchor institution connectivity and for the country," said Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition Executive Director John Windhausen.

“Congratulations to the new leaders of the FCC and NTIA,” said Willmary Escoto, U.S. Policy Analyst at Access Now. “With full leadership in place, the agencies will have to make up for lost time and move quickly to ensure people are not exploited by internet service providers. This means, at minimum, reinstating net neutrality protections and prioritizing reliable and affordable internet access for everyone, especially as the COVID pandemic and the digital divide persist.”

"The FCC team of Rosenworcel, Sohn and current Commissioner Geoffrey Starks will be well-positioned to work together, reinforcing their common effort toward fulfilling the Communications Act's primary directive, 'to make available … to all the people of the United States, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex, a rapid, efficient, Nation-wide, and world-wide wire and radio communication service….' Rarely has there been so much to do and such a great team to do it at the FCC. Now that the President has finally named his nominees, the public is counting on these leaders to waste no time in getting the job done through collaboration, strategy and trust," said  Cheryl A. Leanza, UCC Media Justice policy advisor. "Alan Davidson brings a diversity of experience, from his time at the Center for Democracy and Technology, to his role in founding Google's first D.C. office, to his previous stint at NTIA as the director of the digital economy to his role at Mozilla. Alan's diverse skillset and vast network will be an asset as NTIA takes on its the many critical roles, including its role in ensuring digital inclusion and broadband deployment help all communities."

“Demand Progress welcomes the nominations of current Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Gigi Sohn. As we have repeatedly made clear, it’s crucial the White House nominate and the Senate confirm individuals who will fight for the public interest, as opposed to the interests of giant corporations, and we believe both will do this," said Demand Progress Director of Operations Mark Stanley. “Given the shrinking number of days that remain for hearings and votes this year, not another day can be wasted ahead of confirmation hearings. It is imperative these two are quickly confirmed, so the FCC can return to being a fully-staffed, fully-functional agency empowered to ensure affordable, high-speed broadband for every home, as well as an open internet free from Big Cable gatekeeping and abusive consumer practices.”

Chip Pickering of INCOMPAS said, "American families want and need faster internet faster. President Biden has made internet access and competition a national priority. By selecting Jessica Rosenworcel as Chairwoman of the FCC, America will be getting a proven leader who takes on big challenges with substance, vision and grace." He added, "Gigi [Sohn] is a unique leader who is bold and progressive in her vision and is pragmatic and inclusive in achieving good public policy goals. Now more than ever, our nation needs bold leaders with big hearts and that is what the FCC is getting with Gigi Sohn." Concerning the nomination of Davidson he said, "Alan brings tremendous experience to this role at NTIA, having seen first hand the transformative power access to an open internet and competitive new networks has on all communities, urban and rural. We look forward to working with Alan to ensure our networks of the future are built faster and better than our global competition."

"We congratulate Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel on her nomination for a new term as the permanent chair of the Federal Communications Commission," said NCTA–The Internet & Television Association President and CEO Michael Powell, himself a former FCC commissioner and chairman. “To date, Chairwoman Rosenworcel has served with distinction and ably led the Commission over the past 10 months as the country increasingly turned to the internet to adapt to pandemic demands. We also congratulate Gigi Sohn.”

"In Acting Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, the FCC will have a highly qualified leader with unmatched experience," said ACA Connects President Matt Polka. He cited her experience as "a former senior staffer at the FCC, as a senior Senate aide, and with nearly a decade as an FCC Commissioner. Throughout her career, she has championed issues that are so vital to our nation, especially in this moment, from providing support for low-income consumer access to broadband to bridging the 'homework gap' to supporting emerging technologies," said Polka. "Gigi Sohn brings not just a wealth of experience in communications, tech, and media policy, but also a true passion for the issues before the FCC. She has been a trusted public interest advocate, senior FCC staffer, and academician. She has been in the forefront of supporting policies that ensure equitable broadband access for all Americans, a concern that has never been more important."

Meredith Attwell Baker, president of wireless industry group CTIA and another former FCC commissioner, called Rosenworcel "a dedicated public servant who has demonstrated tremendous leadership during her time as the FCC’s acting chairwoman, including guiding the FCC through the continued global pandemic and launching innovative programs to help keep Americans connected during this challenging time. Her keen understanding of spectrum policy, including quickly launching a much-needed auction of spectrum to facilitate 5G deployment, and commitment to closing the digital divide make her the right fit for this critical position. We look forward to her swift confirmation by the Senate.” Of Sohn, Baker said: “She has a distinguished career in the public-interest community and at the FCC. We look forward to working with her to help close the digital divide and ensure the U.S. leads the emerging 5G economy.”

“Now more than ever, the work of the FCC extends far beyond Washington and reaches into the very heart of our schools, workplaces, hospitals and homes," said USTelecom President and CEO Jonathan Spalter. “The past 19 months have shown us how much the Commission’s work matters. In Jessica Rosenworcel, President Biden selected a leader with deep expertise and an enduring commitment to bringing technology and connectivity to all in America. Gigi Sohn is a passionate advocate for the promise and potential of universal connectivity and will bring formidable knowledge of the issues and the workings of the Commission to her role."

”WISPA is excited that President Joe Biden has nominated Acting FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel to chairperson of the FCC; Gigi Sohn as FCC commissioner; and Alan Davidson as head of the NTIA,” the Wireless Internet Service Provider Association said. ”Each person brings into these core positions years of experience, deep connections, and legal and administrative know-how. Importantly, with these agencies now at ‘full power,’ their work will surely benefit American consumers, our economy, as well as those who linger without competitive and evolving broadband solutions in the digital divide.”

“Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel has distinguished herself throughout her tenure as a Commissioner and as Acting Chairwoman, and we congratulate her on the nomination as the FCC’s first woman Chair of the Commission," said Comcast. "She has continued to be a leader on important communications issues, such as closing the Homework Gap, enhancing public safety, and promoting a balanced spectrum policy. Rosenworcel has already successfully managed the Commission’s implementation of the Emergency Broadband Benefit and Emergency Connectivity Fund on an accelerated schedule with millions of Americans receiving benefits in just the first several months. Gigi Sohn has been an advocate for consumers for many years and would bring her tireless advocacy on the critical issue of connecting all Americans to broadband back to the FCC. We have long shared that commitment,"

“We commend President Biden for advancing key appointments to lead the United States’ digital infrastructure efforts, and congratulate Jessica on her historic designation as Chair of the Federal Communications Commission," said Jason Oxman, president of global tech trade group ITI," as well as Gigi Sohn as commissioner. "These announcements come at a critical time. The United States’ infrastructure challenges have been magnified due to the global pandemic, and the need for significant investments to close the digital divide and increase connectivity has been sharply brought into focus. Digital infrastructure is the foundation connecting Americans to the economic and social benefits that flow from a well-connected online economy, including access to virtual healthcare services, online education, small business development resources, and remote working opportunities, among others."