New FCC Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai have been sworn-in and have officially begun their work. It’s the first time in nearly a year that the agency has its full complement of commissioners.
Rosenworcel, a Democrat, takes the seat held by former Commissioner Michael Copps. “I pledge to work with the administration, the Congress, my fellow commissioners, and the American people to ensure that everyone across this country has access to the best, most reliable communications in the world,” said the former Senate Commerce Committee staffer in a statement.
Pai, a former Senate staffer as well who most recently worked at Jenner & Block, is a Republican who takes the seat vacated last spring by former Commissioner Meredith Baker. Pai said in a statement he looks forward to working with his new colleagues “to promote competition and innovation in the communications marketplace that will work for the benefit of all consumers.”
Both of the new commissioners are scheduled to join their fellow commissioners at an FCC oversight hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee tomorrow.
Pai has already announced his staff, with Matthew Berry as his chief of staff. Berry has been the FCC’s general counsel. He was most recently at Patton Boggs.
Gene Fullano has been named acting legal advisor for Pai. He was most recently associate bureau chief of the FCC’s Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau.
