ACLU Celebrates Senate Doing Its Job and Appointing a Fifth FCC Commissioner

WASHINGTON — After being deadlocked for over two years, Congress finally confirmed a fifth commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) yesterday. With the confirmation of Anna Gomez, the FCC will now have all seats filled and will once again be able to work on critical issues around equitable access to broadband and online resources. This includes addressing digital redlining, reforming programs that support universal broadband access, re-establishing net neutrality, and protecting consumers’ online privacy.

Cody Venzke, senior policy counsel at ACLU, issued the following statement:

“A fully functioning FCC is paramount to ensuring a digital future that respects and upholds the rights of all Americans. With the final commissioner confirmed, we are hopeful that the FCC will restart its important work of expanding broadband access, bringing back a free and open internet, and restoring privacy protections for our online activity.

“However, one of the commissioners' seats — currently held by Commissioner Starks — will be vacated in January 2024, resulting in deadlock once again unless the Senate acts soon.”