Jessica Rosenworcel Confirmed as First Female FCC Chair

Historic Appointments at the FCC

Jessica Rosenworcel has achieved a milestone, becoming the first woman to serve as chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). She had previously been fulfilling the role in an acting capacity since the start of the year. President Biden formally appointed her today and also nominated her for another term.

A Veteran of the Agency

Rosenworcel brings extensive experience to the position, having dedicated nearly two decades to the FCC. She has served as a commissioner for ten years, under three presidential administrations. Her advocacy for net neutrality has been consistent throughout her career.

Despite the previous administration’s reversal of net neutrality policies under Chairman Ajit Pai, Rosenworcel may have the opportunity to revisit and potentially reinstate this important regulation.

Championing Equitable Policies

Beyond net neutrality, Rosenworcel has consistently prioritized equitable telecommunication and broadcast policies. This includes advocating for accessibility services and the distribution of funds through the Emergency Connectivity Fund.

She has also been a vocal opponent of issues like unwanted robocalls, unethical data practices, and attempts to exert undue influence over the FCC’s independence.

Rosenworcel's Statement

“I am deeply humbled to be designated as Chair of the Federal Communications Commission by President Biden,” Rosenworcel stated. “It is an honor to collaborate with my colleagues and the FCC’s dedicated staff to ensure everyone has the necessary digital connections for modern life, regardless of their location or background.”

The Nomination of Gigi Sohn

Alongside Rosenworcel’s appointment, President Biden nominated Gigi Sohn, a long-standing policy advocate and FCC veteran, to become a commissioner. If confirmed, Sohn would make history as the first openly LGBTQ+ commissioner.

For over a year, one of the five FCC commissioner positions has remained vacant. The timing of Sohn’s nomination suggests a strategic move by the administration, potentially signaling a renewed focus on key policy initiatives.

Sohn’s Background and Expertise

Gigi Sohn is a fellow at Georgetown Law and a co-founder of Public Knowledge. She previously served as general counsel to Chairman Tom Wheeler from 2013 to 2016, a period marked by significant efforts to establish net neutrality rules.

Implications for Net Neutrality

Sohn’s nomination is widely interpreted as a strong indication that the Biden administration intends to pursue a second attempt at implementing net neutrality regulations. These rules would prevent internet service providers from discriminating against different types of online content.

For example, a net neutrality policy would prevent a company like Comcast from prioritizing its own streaming services over those of competitors.

A More Strategic Approach

Having learned from past legal challenges, a new net neutrality policy is expected to be more carefully crafted and legally sound. Sohn’s extensive legal expertise and study of previous court battles will be invaluable in developing a robust and defensible framework.

A Historic Moment

Should she be confirmed, Sohn’s appointment would not only strengthen the FCC’s expertise but also represent a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation within the agency.

Confirmation Process

Both Rosenworcel’s chairship and Sohn’s commissioner nomination require confirmation by the Senate. The Senate’s schedule, currently occupied by negotiations regarding President Biden’s spending bill, will determine the timeline for these confirmations.