On July 19, 2017, the Senate Commerce Committee held an FCC Confirmation Hearing for incoming FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, former FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, and FCC General Counsel Brendan Carr. The senators on the Committee questioned all three nominees on various subjects such as issues tied to public safety, spectrum, broadband infrastructure, net neutrality and cyber security policy.
Several senators also questioned the nominees on their views on the E-rate Program. While Rosenworcel was the only nominee to commit to not lowering the overall E-rate funding cap when the FCC takes up additional reforms at some point, Chairman Pai mentioned that not only was the E-rate program worth fighting for, but it is good public policy for E-rate to remain strong. Carr told the Committee E-rate has been making a real difference for students across the country.
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune Statement
Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Bill Nelson Statement
Ajit Pai Opening Statement
Jessica Rosenworcel Opening Statement
Brendan Carr Opening Statement
