The Senate voted today, 55-43, to confirm Democrat Anna Gomez to the Federal Communications Commission, breaking the deadlock at the agency that has lasted for over two years. Gomez’s confirmation comes after an extended battle to confirm Biden’s initial pick for the commissioner seat, Gigi Sohn.
Democrat Anna Gomez will allow the agency to pursue actions without the support of the two Republican commissioners.
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association lauded the confirmation.
“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,” said President & CEO Todd Schlekeway.
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) also applauded the confirmation.
“At long last, at this critical time for the U.S. telecommunications and media industries, we have a full roster of FCC commissioners,” said CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. “Anna Gomez is a dedicated public servant who is highly qualified to serve on the FCC. We are looking forward to working with her to realize the potential of the bipartisan infrastructure bill to bring affordable internet service to all Americans and to reverse the decline of local news that threatens the foundations of our democracy.“
Matt Mandel, VP of Government Affairs, WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries, congratulated Gomez.
“Her years of experience and immense talents have commanded universal respect from the telecom and consumer communities, and we are excited to begin working with her on the weighty communications matters of today and tomorrow,” said Mandel.
In her previous government service, Gomez joined the NTIA in February 2009. In her role at NTIA, Gomez handled various communications and Internet policy issues, focusing on spectrum management, public safety communications, and NTIA efforts to expand broadband access and adoption for all Americans.
She previously served as Acting Administrator of the agency through June 2009.
Gomez was previously Vice President of government Affairs at Sprint Nextel. She graduated from Pennsylvania State University and earned her J.D. from George Washington University.