Logo

FCC Commissioner to Step Down

Apr 17, 2018  •  Post A Comment

One of the members of the Federal Communications Commission will step down before the regulatory agency’s next scheduled meeting, set for May 10. Politico reports that Mignon Clyburn announced her plans today at a meeting of the FCC.

The Obama nominee, who has had an eight-year tenure on the panel, did not say what she plans to do next.

Clyburn is quoted saying: “I’ve done all I know to do. And it’s time for me to serve in another way.”

“Clyburn was part of the Democratic majority that approved the net neutrality rules in 2015, and has been a vocal critic of their repeal in December by the agency’s Republican leadership under Chairman Ajit Pai,” Politico reports. “The rules required Internet service providers like Comcast and Verizon to treat all Web traffic equally as it passes through their networks.”

The report adds: “During her time at the FCC, which included a stint as acting chairwoman in 2013, Clyburn advocated for the needs of marginalized groups. She pushed to lower the cost of prison inmate phone calls and expand the low-income phone subsidy program, Lifeline, to cover broadband service.”

The report notes that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has already recommended Geoffrey Starks, an assistant chief in the FCC’s enforcement bureau, to the White House to nominate for Clyburn’s seat when she departs. “Presidents traditionally defer to the Senate minority leader when filling opposing-party seats on the commission,” Politico adds.

2 Comments

  1. Very sad loss.

  2. Filet Mignon is where she should be now. Gone from the FCC.

Your Comment

Email (will not be published)