Nearly six months after he was nominated, Tom Wheeler has been confirmed as the new chairperson of the FCC. Aside from the usual congressional delays, the confirmation was delayed for close to two weeks while Republican Senator Ted Cruz fretted that Wheeler would use the FCC to require political ads disclose more about their sponsors. Cruz finally relented after Wheeler apparently told him that such an action was “not a priority.”
Wheeler will take the reins of the FCC from Mignon Clyburn, who has been serving as acting chairperson following the departure of Julius Genachowski. While Wheeler’s past as a telecommunications industry lobbyist and association with the National Cable and Telecommunications Association and CTIA have caused concern among consumer advocates, he has received support from both consumer and business groups.
Michael O’Rielly was also confirmed as a commissioner alongside Wheeler, which brings the FCC back to its full five members after several months of operating with only three. The FCC has several pending issues on its plate, including making more wireless spectrum available and getting more Americans connected to the Internet. It’s also likely that Wheeler will have to weigh in on ongoing arguments from companies opposed to net neutrality.
Original article: Tom Wheeler Confirmed as FCC Chairperson
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