Senate Confirms Roth as NTIA Head
The Senate confirmed Republican Arielle Roth as NTIA administrator Wednesday on a largely party-line 52-42 vote, as expected (see 2507160076). Senate Commerce Committee member John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat who joined Republicans in backing Roth, as he was when the panel advanced her in April (see 2504090037). The chamber invoked cloture on Roth last week 50-34 (see 2507170065). President Donald Trump nominated Roth, who was Senate Commerce Republicans’ telecom policy director, to the NTIA role in February (see 2502040056).
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FCC Chairman Brendan Carr hailed Roth's confirmation, saying her “distinguished career in government … has given her the skills and knowledge to lead NTIA at this critical time." He added, "After Congress passed [the budget reconciliation package, formerly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (see 2507030056)], which restored the FCC’s spectrum auction authority, it has become even more important to have terrific leaders like [Roth] at NTIA to help unlock more spectrum for consumer use.” Roth “and her team will be critical in the work to restore U.S. leadership in wireless, which promotes our economic and national security.”
Republican FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty, who prevailed over Roth in the sweepstakes to be Trump's nominee to the commission seat that Democratic former Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel vacated (see 2501160064), also praised the administrator-designate. “At a time when federal leadership on spectrum policy, broadband deployment, and emerging technologies matters more than ever, I’m confident that [Roth] will bring clarity and collaboration to the interagency process and be a strong steward of the public interest,” Trusty said.
Senate Commerce Chairman Ted Cruz, R-Texas, praised Roth’s “strong dedication to public service, indefatigable work ethic, and unrivaled passion for telecommunications policy and the law. I am confident that under her guidance, NTIA will fix the [$42.5 billion] BEAD program, advance American leadership in spectrum, and drive domestic economic prosperity.” Panel Democrats cited concerns with the Trump administration’s BEAD plans and Roth not providing more information as reasons they voted against advancing her.
Many other communications sector stakeholders also congratulated Roth. They include: ACA Connects, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, AT&T, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, Comcast, Competitive Carriers Association, Computer and Communications Industry Association, Connected Nation, CTA, CTIA, Fiber Broadband Association, Incompas, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, NATE, National Emergency Number Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, NCTA, NTCA, Open Radio Access Networks Policy Coalition, Spectrum for the Future, TIA, T-Mobile, USTelecom, Wireless Infrastructure Association and WISPA.