Senate Confirms Republican Trusty for 5-Year Term at FCC
The Senate voted 53-45 Wednesday to confirm Republican Commissioner-designate Olivia Trusty to a full, five-year term that begins July 1, as expected. The chamber already confirmed her Tuesday to finish the term of former Democratic Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, which ends June 30. Once sworn in, Trusty will shift the FCC to a 2-1 Republican majority and restore the commission's quorum.
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Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the lone Democrat voting for Trusty, as he was on Tuesday. All other Democrats voted against her over frustrations that President Donald Trump hasn't picked a party-affiliated nominee to replace ex-Commissioner Geoffrey Starks.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez congratulated Trusty on Tuesday night. Trusty “brings years of valuable experience to the agency, including her public service on Capitol Hill and time in the private sector,” Carr said. “I look forward to … advancing an agenda that will deliver great results for the American people.” Gomez said she has “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.”
House Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., also hailed Trusty’s confirmation. “I look forward to working with her and the Commission to connect every American to reliable internet access and promote American technological leadership for the decades to come,” he said. Many communications sector companies and groups praised her as well.