Anna Gomez has been confirmed as the Federal Communication Commission’s newest commissioner. With her confirmation, Gomez will fill a Democratic seat that has remained open since President Biden took office, in part because of the long and ultimately fruitless push to install Gigi Sohn in that seat. Thus, the commission’s 2-2 political standstill is no more.
Senators voted 55-43 to confirm Gomez, according to the Washington Post.
As Gomez is set to begin her five-year term as a commissioner, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel issued a personal statement of congratulations. It is shared, in part, below:
“Anna brings with her a wealth of telecommunications experience, a substantial record of public service, and a history of working to ensure the United States stays on the cutting edge of keeping us all connected. Her international expertise will be a real asset to the agency.”
Also in response to the Senate confirmation of Gomez, National Association of Broadcasters President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt issued his own statement:
“NAB congratulates Anna Gomez on her confirmation to the Federal Communications Commission. Her wealth of experience in telecommunications policymaking will help the FCC address the critical issues facing radio and television broadcasters.
“NAB looks forward to working with Ms. Gomez and a fully seated Commission to provide the regulatory certainty, modernization and flexibility that will enable local broadcasting to thrive and enhance our service to tens of millions of American every day.”
In July, Gomez became one step closer to becoming the next FCC commissioner when her nomination cleared the Senate Commerce Committee, although without the support of ranking Republican Ted Cruz.
Gomez, a telecommunications attorney, currently serves as a senior advisor for international information and communications policy in the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, which she joined earlier this year.
She is better known as a former deputy administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; and she served for 12 years in various positions at the FCC, including as deputy chief of the International Bureau and senior legal advisor to then-Chairman Bill Kennard.
The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association (NATE) also issued a statement Thursday after the U.S. Senate vote. The following is attributed to NATE President and CEO Todd Schlekeway:
“NATE and our over 1,140 member companies congratulate Anna Gomez on her confirmation by the U.S. Senate. The Association looks forward to working with Commissioner Gomez and her staff on the myriad of policy issues facing the communications infrastructure, wireless, broadband and telecom ecosystem. NATE also commends U.S. Senators for officially confirming Ms. Gomez today on the Senate floor.”
Nominated by President Biden in May 2023, Gomez is the first Latina to serve on the commission in decades. According to the National Hispanic Media Coalition advocacy group, the last Latina to hold the role was Gloria Tristani, who stepped down from the agency in 2001.
The Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC), in a statement, applauded the U.S. Senate for confirming Gomez. MMTC President and CEO Robert E. Branson recognized the importance of diversity on the commission.
“MMTC congratulates Anna Gomez on her confirmation to the FCC,” said Branson. “Having worked with her for numerous years, we know her telecommunications policymaking expertise will be a major asset to the agency. MMTC is excited to continue its working relationship with Gomez and her fellow commissioners.”
[Related: “FCC Nominee Anna Gomez Receives Strong Support From Senate Democrats“]
