| We're furious.
Longtime public-interest advocate and former Federal Communications Commission official Gigi Sohn withdrew her name from consideration for the fifth commissioner’s seat at the agency. Her nomination was held up for nearly 500 days as the result of an industry-led smear campaign and right-wing attacks.
But we can’t get complacent. The delay in confirming a nominee has deadlocked the FCC at 2–2 for more than two years, preventing the agency from having a majority vote on a number of critical issues — like restoring strong Net Neutrality protections, making sure people can afford their internet bills and so much more.
It’s urgent we crank up the heat with so much at stake: Will you add your name to our petition calling on President Biden to pick a new nominee ASAP for the vacant seat at the FCC? We need a nominee who will prioritize people over corporations and support policies that can actually hold powerful entities accountable. The FCC needs a full team — and clear majority — to ensure that everyone in the nation can connect and communicate. We’re demanding that Biden’s next FCC nominee have the following five qualifications: - PUBLIC SERVICE: has a demonstrated history of advocacy for the public interest in communications-policy debates
- INDEPENDENT OF INDUSTRY: in the past five years, has not worked or lobbied in any capacity for any of the industries that fall under the FCC’s regulatory oversight
- CENTERS JUSTICE: has a proven record of advocacy for the rights of low-income families and communities of color
- OPPOSES DISCRIMINATION: supports Title II oversight and other laws that give the FCC the authority to prevent unjust discrimination, promote affordable access and protect public safety
- PEOPLE POWERED: is committed to public engagement in rulemakings and other agency proceedings
The next test is already here. We cannot let the industry pick their regulators ever again. Holding the next nominee to these five qualifications will help ensure that doesn’t happen. If you’re with us in the next round of this fight, add your name to our petition urging President Biden to pick a new public-interest-minded nominee to fill the fifth tie-breaking seat at the FCC.
Thank you for taking action at this critical moment,
Craig Aaron
Co-CEO
Free Press and Free Press Action
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