Carr, Rosenworcel Sworn In as FCC Commissioners

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 11, 2017 | 6:10pm CT

Brendan Carr and Jessica Rosenworcel have been officially sworn in as FCC Commissioners. Carr, a former aide to Chairman Ajit Pai, fills an open Republican slot. Before becoming general counsel in January, Carr was FCC Chairman Pai's legal advisor for wireless, public safety and international issues. Prior to joining the FCC, Carr worked as a telecommunications attorney at the Wiley Rein law firm, where his clients included AT&T, Verizon Communications and USTelecom.

"It is a tremendous honor and privilege to serve as a Commissioner of the FCC. I am grateful to President Trump for nominating me and to the United States Senate for confirming me to serve the American public in this capacity, said Carr."

He continued, "I have had the privilege of working at the agency for over five years, and that experience has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the FCC's work and its talented staff. Whether it is promoting broadband deployment, maintaining the United States' leadership in wireless, or advancing public safety, I look forward to hitting the ground running and working with my colleagues at the Commission to serve the public interest."

Rosenworcel, who left the FCC at the end of last year after her tenure expired, takes the open Democratic slot. Rosenworcel was previously re-nominated in December, 2015, and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee unanimously voted to reappoint her to another term. However, the U.S. Senate adjourned last year and failed to hold a vote to confirm. For her first term, Rosenworcel was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate in May, 2012, and formally sworn into office on May 11, 2012.

In a statement, Rosenworcel said, "I am honored and humbled to enjoy the privilege and responsibility of returning to serve as a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission. I firmly believe that the future belongs to the connected. No matter who you are or where you live, you need access to modern communications to have a fair shot at 21st century success. That's why the Commission's work is so important and I thank the President and the United States Senate for this opportunity. I pledge to fight to make sure that the public interest is served and everyone across this country has access to the best, most reliable communications in the world."

Chairman Pai said in a statement, "I congratulate Brendan and Jessica on their swearing in and welcome them to the FCC as Commissioners. I'm pleased that the Commission is once again at full capacity. They will be valuable assets to the FCC, and I look forward to collaborating with them to close the digital divide, promote innovation, protect consumers, and improve the agency's operations."