The nomination of Jessica Rosenworcel for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has put Senate Democrats in a difficult position. On one hand, they have an opportunity to appoint a qualified and experienced nominee who is committed to promoting affordable and accessible broadband for all Americans. On the other hand, they risk helping big telecom and the GOP by failing to confirm her nomination. Senate Dems have a simple choice on FCC nominee: Do the right thing or help big telecom and the GOP. Let’s explore this dilemma in more detail.
The importance of the FCC
The FCC is responsible for regulating the nation’s communications infrastructure, including broadband, television, radio, and wireless services. Its decisions have a significant impact on the lives of Americans, from their ability to access essential services like healthcare and education to their freedom of speech and privacy.
Under the Trump administration, the FCC was led by a chairman who was widely criticized for prioritizing the interests of big telecom over the needs of the American people. He repealed net neutrality rules, which prevented internet service providers (ISPs) from discriminating against certain types of content or charging higher prices for faster speeds. He also attempted to limit the ability of cities and towns to build their own broadband networks, which would have increased competition and lowered prices for consumers.
Now, with a new administration and a new Congress, there is an opportunity to restore the FCC’s commitment to promoting the public interest. But this can only happen if the right people are appointed to lead the agency.
The case for Jessica Rosenworcel
Jessica Rosenworcel has served as an FCC commissioner since 2012, and she is widely respected for her expertise and commitment to promoting affordable and accessible broadband. She has been a vocal advocate for net neutrality, and she has consistently pushed for policies that prioritize the needs of consumers over those of big telecom.
In particular, Rosenworcel has been a strong proponent of the Lifeline program, which provides low-income Americans with a subsidy to help them afford internet and phone service. She has also called for greater transparency in broadband pricing, so that consumers can make informed choices about which ISP to use. And she has emphasized the importance of ensuring that all Americans have access to high-speed broadband, regardless of where they live.
Given her track record, it is clear that Rosenworcel would be an excellent choice to lead the FCC. She has the experience, the expertise, and the commitment to promote the public interest and to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable and accessible broadband.
The risk of helping big telecom and the GOP
Despite Rosenworcel’s qualifications, her nomination may face opposition from Senate Republicans, who have historically been more supportive of big telecom than of the needs of consumers. If Senate Democrats fail to confirm her nomination, they risk helping big telecom and the GOP by leaving the FCC without a qualified and committed leader.
This would be a disastrous outcome for the American people. Without strong leadership at the FCC, there is a risk that the agency will continue to prioritize the interests of big telecom over the needs of consumers. This could lead to higher prices, slower speeds, and less competition in the broadband market. It could also limit the ability of cities and towns to build their own networks, which would reduce the number of options available to consumers.
The simple choice facing Senate Dems
Senate Dems have a simple choice on FCC nominee: Do the right thing or help big telecom and the GOP. They can either confirm Jessica Rosenworcel, a highly qualified and committed nominee who is dedicated to promoting the public interest and ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable and accessible broadband. Or they can fail to confirm her nomination, which would risk leaving the FCC without aqualified and committed leader, and would help big telecom and the GOP continue their anti-consumer policies.
The stakes could not be higher. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of broadband access, as millions of Americans have relied on internet service to work, attend school, and access healthcare from home. Without access to reliable and affordable broadband, these essential services would not have been possible.
Moreover, broadband access is essential for the long-term economic growth and competitiveness of the United States. Without high-speed internet, businesses cannot compete in the global marketplace, and workers cannot access the education and training they need to succeed in the 21st century economy.
Conclusion
Senate Dems have a simple choice on FCC nominee: Do the right thing or help big telecom and the GOP. They have an opportunity to appoint a highly qualified and committed nominee who will promote the public interest and ensure that all Americans have access to affordable and accessible broadband. But they risk helping big telecom and the GOP if they fail to confirm her nomination.
The American people deserve a strong and independent FCC that prioritizes their needs over those of big telecom. Jessica Rosenworcel is the right person for the job, and Senate Democrats should confirm her nomination without delay. By doing so, they can help ensure that all Americans have access to the essential services they need to succeed in the 21st century economy.qualified and committed leader, and would help big telecom and the GOP continue their anti-consumer policies.
The stakes could not be higher. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of broadband access, as millions of Americans have relied on internet service to work, attend school, and access healthcare from home. Without access to reliable and affordable broadband, these essential services would not have been possible.
Moreover, broadband access is essential for the long-term economic growth and competitiveness of the United States. Without high-speed internet, businesses cannot compete in the global marketplace, and workers cannot access the education and training they need to succeed in the 21st century economy.