Policymakers

Jonathan Kanter told lawmakers he would bring “vigorous” enforcement to the helm of the Justice Department’s antitrust division, as they weigh his nomination to serve as one of the federal government’s top competition cops. In the October 5 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Kanter laid out bits of his plan for lawmakers, focusing on ensuring robust competition for businesses across the country.

Marco Peraza will join the Office of Federal Communications Commissioner Simington as Wireline Advisor, replacing Carolyn Roddy, who is departing to join the FCC's International Bureau. Erin Boone, Commissioner Simington’s Wireless Advisor, will take over the role of Chief of Staff in addition to her other duties. These changes will go into effect on Tuesday, October 11.

The National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA)’s 2021 Spectrum Policy Symposium brought together key policymakers and industry experts to explore how a “whole of government” approach to spectrum policy can address US priorities for 21st-century global leadership. Each keynote speaker highlighted the importance of spectrum to the economy, US technological leadership, innovation, and federal government missions.

The Senate has confirmed Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Rohit Chopra to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. With Chopra leaving and President Biden’s replacement pick, Alvaro Bedoya, in limbo, FTC Chair Lina Khan will no longer have a Democratic majority.

The drumbeat of advocacy for universal internet access in the US became louder during the Covid-19 pandemic and was amplified by President Biden early in his presidency as he laid out a New Deal-like vision for the future of infrastructure and connectivity. Unfortunately, though, an agency responsible for carrying out the specifics of that vision has been paralyzed by a baffling situation that could inadvertently put Republican appointees of former President Donald Trump in the driver’s seat.

President Biden has yet to nominate anyone to fill a vacant seat at the Federal Communications Commission. What's more, the term of current Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is set to expire when Congress adjourns at the end of 2021. It adds up to a possible Republican majority on the FCC under a Democratic administration, which could stymie the party's efforts on a number of policies including net neutrality standards. Currently, the FCCis deadlocked with two Democratic commissioners, Rosenworcel and Geoffrey Starks, and two Republicans, Brendan Carr and Nathan Simington.

Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan appointed Holly Vedova as Director of the agency’s Bureau of Competition and Samuel A.A. Levine as Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. Vedova and Levine have been serving in their roles in an acting capacity since June 2021. 

Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced senior staff changes to the Office of Managing Director and the Office of Communications Business Opportunities (OCBO). Sanford S. Williams will assume a senior leadership position in the Office of Managing Director as Deputy Managing Director. Williams will continue to serve as a Special Advisor to Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel with a focus on agency efforts to identify and expand opportunities for communities that have been historically underserved. Joy M.

One unexpected casualty of the disruptions wrought by the long pandemic: Federal Communications Commission commissioners haven’t testified before Congress in more than a year.

A group of over two dozen senators is urging President Joe Biden to designate Acting Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel to a permanent position, making her the first woman to hold the office. The chairmanship of the commission has been in limbo since President Biden was sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2021, with Chairwoman Rosenworcel operating in acting capacity.