Reactions to Nomination of Brendan Carr for FCC Commissioner

President Donald Trump on June 28 signaled his intention to nominate Brendan Carr, Federal Communications Commission general counsel and a longtime aide to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, to fill the remaining Republican commissioner seat on the FCC.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai: “I congratulate Brendan Carr on the President’s announcement that he will be nominated to serve as an FCC Commissioner. Brendan has a distinguished record of public service, having worked at the agency for over five years, including most recently as the FCC’s General Counsel. In particular, Brendan’s expertise on wireless policy and public safety will be a tremendous asset to the Commission. I look forward to working with him in his new role and wish him all the best during the confirmation process.”

FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn: “I congratulate Brendan Carr on being nominated by the President to serve as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission. He is well respected on both sides of the aisle and has demonstrated a deep knowledge of the legal and policy issues facing the communications sector, both as an advisor to then Commissioner Pai and now as General Counsel of the agency. Brendan is a great asset to the Commission and I wish him a successful Senate confirmation.”

FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly: “I congratulate Brendan Carr on his selection by President Trump for a seat at the FCC. Mr. Carr will be an added voice at the Commission in efforts to reduce senseless regulations and install sound policymaking. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity, pending consideration of the nomination by the U.S. Senate.”

Will Johnson, Verizon senior vice president, federal regulatory and legal affairs: "Brendan Carr is an excellent choice for the Federal Communications Commission. With years of experience at the Commission, he has a deep knowledge and understanding of the critical issues that impact our industry. He’ll hit the ground running on vital issues such as encouraging deployment of 5G and next-generation networks, promoting public safety, and closing the digital divide. Mr. Carr is a dedicated public servant with a strong commitment to market-oriented policies that will foster innovation and investment. We expect him to play an important role as the agency helps usher in a new era of innovation and opportunity in the broadband and communications space.”

Robert Quinn, AT&T Senior Executive Vice President of External and Legislative Affairs: “President Trump’s nomination of Brendan Carr comes at a critical point as our nation embarks on transitioning to the next generation wireless communications infrastructure. His commitment to public service and wide range of expertise, especially in the areas of wireless technology and spectrum policy, make him the perfect choice. Brendan Carr will be a tremendous asset to Chairman Pai and his fellow Commissioners. We urge Congress to quickly proceed with his confirmation.”

Michael Powell, president of NCTA: The Internet & Television Association: “We congratulate Brendan Carr on his well-deserved nomination as FCC commissioner. With his impressive public and private sector experience, Brendan is steeped in the important issues that the FCC will tackle in the coming years. We urge Congress to act quickly on his nomination and look forward to working with Brendan and the entire commission on policies that will promote marketplace investment and innovation for the benefit of American consumers.”

American Cable Association president Matt Polka: "ACA believes Brendan Carr is an excellent choice to serve on the FCC, and we support President Trump for making this nomination. Brendan Carr is a highly regarded attorney with a wide-ranging understanding of modern communications law and regulation. His addition will enhance the FCC's ability to arrive at sound policy conclusions that will serve the public interest, particularly with regard to ensuring that all Americans, wherever they may live, have a robust connection to the Internet. ACA looks forward to working not only with Brendan Carr but also with FCC commissioner-designate Jessica Rosenworcel after both have been confirmed by the Senate," Polka added. "ACA urges the Senate to act on these nominations expeditiously."

USTelecom CEO Jonathan Spalter: “Brendan Carr is an outstanding nominee to round out a full Commission. His wealth of telecommunications experience will help the agency fully realize its mission of protecting consumers while adopting policies that encourage more broadband innovation and investment. In his time at the FCC, he has always worked with integrity, fairness, and a deep commitment to public service. USTelecom and its members look forward to working with Brendan, and we encourage the Senate to confirm him and former Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel soon.”

Internet Innovation Alliance: “We warmly congratulate Brendan Carr on his nomination to be a Commissioner of the FCC. His long experience and knowledge of communications policy will serve him well in this new position. We expect he will work to ensure that the United States will remain the world’s leader in telecommunications, promoting innovation and competition and remembering that the private sector is the source of innovation more often than the government."

Mobile Future chief policy adviser Robert McDowell: “On behalf of Mobile Future, I congratulate my friend Brendan Carr on being nominated to serve as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Brendan’s broad and deep expertise on wireless legal and policy issues will be a tremendous asset to the FCC as it pursues a forward-looking agenda focused on ensuring that America remains the world leader in mobile communications. Freeing up more spectrum and removing unnecessary barriers that delay the deployment of the infrastructure needed for cutting-edge 5G technologies are essential to spurring the American economy. Brendan has an ideal background and regulatory philosophy to produce policies that will bring positive and constructive change to the benefit of all Americans.”

National Association of Broadcasters president Gordon Smith: "NAB strongly endorses the nomination of Brendan Carr to the FCC. He has a firm grasp on telecom and media law and the right temperament to be a superb Commissioner. We support his swift confirmation."

CTIA president Meredith Attwell Baker: “CTIA and the wireless industry congratulate Brendan Carr on his nomination as an FCC Commissioner. He is an accomplished and talented attorney who understands the importance of wireless to consumers and the U.S. economy. The FCC is focused on a range of wireless issues, including infrastructure siting for next generation 5G wireless networks, and we hope his nomination will be swiftly approved by the Senate.”