Policymakers

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"The internet’s open design is revolutionary," said Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. "It means creating without permission, building community beyond geography, organizing without physical constraints, consuming content you want when and where you want it, and cultivating ideas not just around the corner but around the world...I believe it is essential that we sustain this foundation of openness—and that is why, for as long as I have served on the FCC, I have supported net neutrality."

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo appointed Sean McDevitt, a partner with international management consulting firm Arthur D. Little (ADL), to serve on the Board of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). McDevitt has been a member of ADL’s telecommunications, internet, technology and private equity practice areas since 2017. He brings 30 years of private sector experience specializing in business development, business expansion, leadership, account management, and client project delivery for telecommunications and technology sectors.

The following individuals will serve in FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez's office in acting capacities:

I am humbled and honored that President Biden and the United States Senate have entrusted me with the privilege to serve the people of the United States as a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission. As the first Latina to serve in this position in over two decades, it is especially meaningful to be sworn in as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

I’ve been asked to speak tonight about my career as a public interest communications lawyer and advocate, a grantmaker, and a public servant. When someone asks you to reflect on your career and perhaps offer some wisdom, it can only mean one thing – you’re old! Seriously, though, I’ve been extraordinarily lucky to have had exciting and diverse experiences in civil society, philanthropy, government, and yes, even in the private sector.  But like cooking a great meal, building a successful career requires a mix of a lot of different ingredients.

US Sens Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and John Thune (R-SD), Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, respectively, announced Reps Bob Latta (R-OH) and Doris Matsui (D-CA), Chair and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, respectively, have joined the Universal Service Fund (USF) Working Group. Launched in early 2023 in the Senate, the USF Working Group was established to evaluate and propose potential reforms to the USF, with the goal of developing a bipartisan forum to guide education, awareness, and policy-making.

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel appointed Dr. Johannes Bauer as Chief Economist for the FCC. Bauer is the Director of the James H. and Mary B. Quello Center at Michigan State University. His research focuses on advanced communications technologies (5G, IoT, and AI)—enabling them, along with understanding and addressing their downsides. On the ground, he works in broadband access, deployment, and digital equity.

I want to start by thanking the Subcommittee for its decision to provide full funding for the Federal Communications Commission in your Fiscal Year 2024 FSGG bill. The work of the FCC matters. I’d like to highlight some the Commission’s recent work, made possible by your support of our budget, under my leadership. First, the Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program, the largest broadband affordability program in our nation’s history, now helps 21 million households pay for high-speed internet service.

Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) will not seek another term in the Senate in 2024. In a video posted to Twitter, Sen. Romney said he was stepping aside for new leadership and noted that those new leaders will face enormous challenges in the coming years, something the current

President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Basil Ivanhoe Gooden for Under Secretary of Rural Development in the Department of Agriculture. Gooden currently serves as the Director of State Operations for the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Rural Development. Appointed to this position in July 2021, he is responsible for providing leadership, support, and supervision to the 47 State Directors in USDA Rural Development.