Policymakers

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) announced the establishment of a bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to explore how Congress can ensure America continues to lead the world in AI innovation while considering guardrails that may be appropriate to safeguard the nation against current and emerging threats. Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries have each appointed twelve members to the Task Force that represent key committees of jurisdiction and will be jointly led by Chair Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) and Co-Chair Ted Lieu (D-CA-36).

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel appointed members of the Consumer Advisory Committee for the CAC's 12th term. The CAC is organized under, and operated in accordance with, the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and provides advice and recommendations to the Commission on a wide array of consumer protection related matters specified by the FCC. The membership consists of a diverse mix of non-profit organizations representing consumers, communications companies and trade associations, and individuals serving on their own behalf and function

Illinois Broadband Director Matt Schmit is no newbie, nor is the state’s broadband office. In 2019, Illinois’ $45 billion capital investment plan included $400 million to fund a new broadband program that would be dubbed “Connect Illinois.” That summer, Schmit was recruited from Minnesota to stand up the office that would oversee the grant program and Illinois’ broadband efforts.

The Federal Communications Commission’s Enforcement Bureau announced senior staff appointments, adding officials with significant experience and expertise in national security, foreign investment, privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, and consumer and civil litigation matters.

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced changes to her leadership team. At the conclusion of the January Open Meeting, Chairwoman Rosenworcel announced the formal departure of Deena Shetler from her team. Sanford Williams will serve as Deputy Chief of staff. Williams has worked in various roles at the FCC since 1999. Most recently he served as a Special Advisor to the Chairwoman and Deputy Managing Director in the Office of Managing Director.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) appoints the Commissioners Nathan Simington and Anna Gomez to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Universal Service Joint Board) and the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations (Separations Joint Board). In addition, Commissioners Simington and Gomez are members of the Federal-State Joint Conference on Advanced Services (Advanced Services Joint Conference) by virtue of their positions on the FCC. Commissioner Gomez shall further serve as the federal chair of the Universal Service Joint Board and the Advance

Federal Communications Commissioner Anna Gomez announced the permanent appointment of several individuals who will serve her office. 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced its intent to recharter the World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee (WAC-27), subject to the approval of the General Services Administration (GSA), and further solicits applications for membership. WAC-27's mission is to provide to the FCC advice, technical support, and recommended proposals for the International Telecommunication Union World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs).

Federal Communications Commissioner Geoffrey Starks announced that Milla Anderson has joined his office as Policy Advisor. Ms. Anderson previously served as Policy Advisor for Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), where she managed the Congresswoman’s work for the Communications and Technology Subcommittee on the House Commerce Committee among other roles. Prior to her service in the House, Ms. Anderson served on the legislative teams for Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Senator Doug Jones (D-AL). Ms.

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, in consultation with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, has appointed members to serve on the re-chartered Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States. The Task Force will hold the first meeting of its third and final term on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Chairwoman Rosenworcel has designated Michael Adelaine, Ph.D., CIO Emeritus & Special Advisor to the President, South Dakota State University, to serve as Chair of the Task Force.