Big Day For FCC, NTIA Picks
The Senate on Thursday confirmed two FCC commissioners and a Commerce assistant secretary. Julius Genachowski, a Democrat, will be the chairman of the FCC, replacing Republican Kevin Martin, who resigned this year. Genachowski is a Harvard Law School classmate of President Obama's and was chief counsel to Clinton-era FCC chief Reed Hundt. Republican Robert McDowell was confirmed as an FCC commissioner. Lawrence Strickling was confirmed as assistant secretary of Commerce for Communications, and will head the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
Acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps congratulated Genachowski, saying he "brings just the right blend of talent, experience and dedication to lead the FCC toward the more active role it must play if all our citizens are to enjoy the blessings and bounties of 21st century communications." He also lauded McDowell's confirmation, saying he values his
"friendship, his collegiality, and the dedicated way he goes about his work." Senate Commerce ranking member Kay Bailey Hutchison said she was pleased "we are two steps closer toward a complete FCC panel."
Obama also nominated Meredith Attwell Baker to fill a Republican slot on the FCC on Thursday. The daughter-in-law of former Secretary of State James Baker is the former acting assistant secretary of the NTIA in the Bush administration. Obama previously nominated Mignon Clyburn, the daughter of House Majority Whip James Clyburn, to fill a Democratic FCC commissioner slot. The younger Clyburn, a member of the South Carolina Public Utilities Commission, is an expert on energy issues.
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