For Immediate Release Contact: Brittany-Rae Gregory [email protected] December 9, 2020 U.S. SENATE CONFIRMS A NEW FCC COMMISSIONER Washington, D.C. (December 9, 2020) – On December 8, 2020, in a 49-46 vote, the U.S. ​ ​ Senate confirmed Nathan Simington to the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”). He will replace Republican Commissioner Mike O'Rielly with a term that expires on June 30, 2024. When Chairman Ajit Pai steps down from the agency on January 20, 2021, Commissioners Brendan Carr (Republican), Jessica Rosenworcel (Democrat), Geoffrey Starks (Democrat), and Nathan Simington (Republican) will remain in leadership. Ryan Johnston, Policy Counsel at Next Century Cities, stated: ​ ​ “The confirmation of Nathan Simington to the FCC comes as no surprise, however, it does come with a cost to America’s unserved and underserved communities. “At a time when broadband access is critical and millions of people still lack basic access to the internet, we need Commissioners who are singularly focused on promoting universal access, ensuring that those who need to be connected will be. Without reliable connectivity, those in need are unable to attend class, work, obtain healthcare, or access government service. They are counting on the FCC to provide meaningful solutions that ease the pandemic’s burden. “Unfortunately, this appointment was born of a desire to transform the FCC into speech police. In January, a deadlocked Commission guarantees that few proposals that could provide useful relief to struggling communities will survive party-line votes. The incoming Biden FCC already faces an uphill battle to provide and promote broadband access and adoption, and it is now unclear when this work can begin.” ### .