Biden’s FCC Nominees Could Lead To Net Neutrality
U.S. President Joe Biden has nominated Jessica Rosenworcel for chair and Gigi Sohn for a seat on the Federal Communications Commission. Rosenworcel is currently acting chairperson but would move to be the head of the agency. If she’s confirmed by the Senate, she’ll be the first woman to fill that role. If both are confirmed, the nominations will give Democrats a majority on the 5-member commission. Since Biden took office in January, the agency has operated with a 2-2 partisan divide. If Democrats gain control of the FCC, the agency is expected to begin pushing through the restoration of net neutrality rules that prohibit internet providers from blocking or slowing down internet traffic. Net neutrality rules and the reclassification of broadband were passed during President Barack Obama’s term in office in 2015. The rules were revoked in 2017 when Republicans took control of the agency following the election of President Donald Trump. Democrats have vowed to restore the rules, which give the FCC authority to regulate broadband like a utility. Republicans and internet service providers oppose the classification because they believe it gives the FCC too much authority over broadband and could lead to rate regulation.