Today marks the one year anniversary of Gigi Sohn’s nomination to serve as FCC commissioner. Ms. Sohn was first nominated on October 6, 2021 and has yet to receive a confirmation vote. The delay in her confirmation has kept the vacancy open and the FCC deadlocked in a 2-2 split. A deadlocked FCC is unable to adopt meaningful reforms that address communications needs of our communities.

Statement of Michael Copps, Common Cause Special Adviser and Former FCC Commissioner

“One year later and the clock continues to run down for Gigi Sohn to be confirmed and for the FCC to have its full complement of commissioners. With limited time remaining, confirming Ms. Sohn is our only option to break the FCC’s deadlock and empower the agency to fully address the communications needs of our households.

“Big money opposition continues to run its smear campaign to stall Ms. Sohn’s confirmation and maintain the FCC’s current deadlock. The big internet service provider gatekeepers are well aware that a fully functional FCC would hold them accountable for engaging in discriminatory and anticompetitive practices. In fact, a recent report form The Markup shows how the big ISPs are digitally redlining low income areas and communities of color, providing these households with outdated services while charging the same rates for faster speeds they provide in higher-income and whiter areas. We need a fully functional FCC to combat these practices and ensure everyone has equitable access to the internet.

“As Congress approaches its lame duck period, it’s crucial Ms. Sohn receives a vote in the senate. We are in a critical moment where too much is at stake and too many of our households are at risk if the FCC continues to remain deadlocked. Senate Majority Leader Schumer and other senate leaders must do everything in their power to ensure Ms. Sohn receives a vote.”