The Senate has confirmed Olivia Trusty, a Republican nominated by President Trump, to the Federal Communications Commission. Once sworn in, Trusty will shift the FCC to a 2-1 Republican majority.
The simultaneous resignations earlier this month of Republican Commissioner Nathan Simington and Democratic Commissioner Geoffrey Starks left the agency without a quorum and in a 1-1 party tie.
Trusty’s nomination was confirmed Tuesday, June 17, by a 53-45 vote, mostly along party lines.
Following the announcement of her Senate confirmation, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr released a statement congratulating Trusty. “Olivia brings years of valuable experience to the agency, including her public service on Capitol Hill and time in the private sector,” Carr said in his statement. “I am confident that her deep expertise and knowledge will enable her to hit the ground running, and she will be an exceptionally effective FCC commissioner.”
Industry observers note that a Republican majority will allow Carr to enact some of his more controversial deregulatory changes. Not least among them would be an overhaul or elimination of the broadcast ownership rules, as the National Association of Broadcasters has advocated for.
During a U.S. House hearing last month, Carr touted the FCC’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative, which aims to eliminate what he describes as unnecessary regulatory burdens.
Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez released the following statement shortly after:
“I want to congratulate Olivia Trusty on her confirmation and welcome her to the FCC,” said Gomez. “I have known Olivia for years and have been very impressed with her strong background in communications policy and deep understanding of the technical aspects of this job, which will be a great asset to this agency. I look forward to working with her to return the FCC to its core priorities of protecting consumers, promoting innovation and competition and securing our communication networks.”
In his own statement, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said Trusty’s “extensive policy experience and deep understanding of the issues impacting local broadcasters make her a strong addition to the commission at a pivotal time for our industry.”
President Trump nominated Trusty to the FCC in January, with the Senate Commerce Committee voting in late April to confirm her and send the nomination to the full Senate for a vote.
According to a Communications Daily bulletin, only one Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, joined all present Republicans in supporting Trusty on the floor. “Lobbyists had expected almost no Democrats would back her after Commerce Committee ranking member Maria Cantwell of Washington told us Monday night that she would oppose the nominee. Cantwell and Fetterman were among six panel Democrats who voted to advance Trusty in late April,” read the bulletin.
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association also released a statement on Tuesday applauding the Trusty confirmation.
“Olivia brings to the commission a deep understanding of both telecommunications policy and the real-world infrastructure challenges that shape broadband deployment in America,” said President & CEO Todd Schlekeway. “NATE members know firsthand how critical it is to have FCC leadership that appreciates the vital role of our workforce in expanding connectivity.”
He continued: “Olivia’s track record demonstrates a strong commitment to closing the digital divide through balanced, pro-growth policies that empower the deployment professionals building out 5G, rural broadband, and emergency communications systems nationwide.”
More to come as reactions to the confirmation come in.
