Arielle Roth on March 27. Photo: Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday advanced President Trump's nominee to be NTIA administrator, Arielle Roth, in a 15-13 vote.
Why it matters: If confirmed, Roth would be tasked with reworking the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program, a Biden-era internet program that has come under fire from Republicans.
- NTIA is at the center of deploying internet grants and coordinating agencies on spectrum policy.
Catch up quick: Roth has worked on telecom policy for years.
- On the Hill, she's served as telecom policy director for Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz.
- In addition to her work with Cruz, she's served as legislative counsel to Sen. Roy Blunt and as counsel on detail to the House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee.
- She previously worked at the FCC as wireline and legal adviser.
What they're saying: "Arielle knows telecommunications law and policy as well as anyone else in this town," said Cruz, who opened the executive session with the news that Roth gave birth earlier on Wednesday.
- "She'll pursue a win-win solution on spectrum that addresses both commercial and national security concerns," Cruz said.
What's next: Roth's nomination heads to the full Senate, where she's likely to be handily confirmed.
