Leadership Conference and Color Of Change Support Confirmation of Gigi Sohn to FCC

On behalf of Color Of Change, one of the nation’s leading racial justice organizations with millions of members nationwide, and The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 230 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States, we write to express our complete support for [Benton Senior Fellow and Public Advocate] Gigi Sohn’s nomination to serve as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner. We urge [Senate Commerce Committee Chair Cantwell and Ranking Member Cruz] to prioritize the swift confirmation of Ms. Sohn to serve as FCC Commissioner. The FCC’s mandate is to regulate the behavior of telecom companies to prevent anti-competitive practices, encourage innovation and competition, and safeguard consumers from harm. Given the importance of this responsibility, the agency cannot afford to remain inactive for another year. To fulfill its mandate effectively, the FCC requires a fifth vote. Furthermore, the public has a right to an FCC commissioner who will ensure access to broadband in rural areas and underserved communities, as mandated by the bipartisan infrastructure act. We are troubled by the Fraternal Order of Police’s (FOP) misinformation campaign to oppose Ms. Sohn’s confirmation as FCC Commissioner. The FOP’s concern about encryption policy is not based on Ms. Sohn’s position since she has no position, and, as recognized by the FOP, is not based on any authority she would exercise at the Federal Communications Commission.