Senate Confirms Anna Gomez to FCC Filling Long-Vacant 5th Chair

Anna Gomez, nominee for FCC commissioner. Photo: NTIA

The FCC will finally have a full slate of five commissioners, as the Senate confirmed Anna Gomez to the FCC on Thursday. The vote was 55-43, in favor. Gomez breaks the deadlock at the FCC that has been in place during Biden’s presidency, as the Commision now has three Democrats and two Republicans. 

Gomez is a telecommunications attorney who serves as a senior advisor for International Information and Communications Policy in the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. She was previously deputy administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and worked at the FCC as both deputy chief of the International Bureau and senior legal advisor to former Chairman William Kennard. She is also leading the U.S. delegation for this year’s World Radio Telecommunication Conference (WRC-23).

President Biden nominated Gomez in May. The previous nominee, Gigi Sohn, was nominated for more than a year, but was unable to secure Senate confirmation. 

Chairwoman Jessica Rosencorcel released a statement welcoming Gomez to the FCC. All three other commissioners released statements congratulating Gomez as well. 

“Anna brings with her a wealth of telecommunications experience, a substantial record of public service, and a history of working to ensure the United States stays on the cutting edge of keeping us all connected. Her international expertise will be a real asset to the agency,” Rosenworcel said. 

The Satellite Industry Association welcomed Gomez’s confirmation.  

“As a long-time public servant and communications law practitioner, Ms. Gomez brings with her a wealth of policy, private enterprise and legal expertise regarding telecommunications and international satellite spectrum management,” Tom Stroup, SIA president said in a statement. “SIA also commends the Commission for recognizing the expanding importance of commercial satellites while creating a regulatory regime that supports industry innovation and American space leadership.”