The Senate reconfirmed Federal Communications Commissioners Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks by unanimous votes over the weekend, Fierce Telecom reports.
Starks, a Democrat who has served as an acting commissioner since his term officially ended at the beginning of July 2022, has been confirmed for a new term that expires on June 30, 2027; Carr, a Republican, has been confirmed to a five-year term that's retroactive to his previous term's end date, July 1, 2022.
The votes come after FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez was confirmed as the agency's fifth commissioner last week, giving Democrats a majority.
Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, said in a statement: "Americans need a fully-equipped FCC that is ready to deliver on an agenda that puts consumers first. The agency cannot afford another deadlock or delay when it comes to expanding affordable broadband, protecting the security of our communications networks, driving innovative spectrum policies, and strengthening our local news."
She added that confirming Starks and Carr "allows the FCC to have full membership and move forward."
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement: "With a complete Senate-confirmed commission, the FCC is now ready to take on our full slate of work and fulfill our commitment to ensuring Americans everywhere have access to the best, most reliable communication services in the world."
Theodore Bunker ✉
Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has more than a decade covering news, media, and politics.