Olivia Trusty on April 9. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
The Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday advanced FCC nominee Olivia Trusty in a 21-7 vote.
Why it matters: Trusty's confirmation would give chair Brendan Carr a majority at the FCC and the votes he needs to advance his agenda.
- Democratic commissioner Geoffrey Starks has announced he's retiring, leaving commissioner Anna Gomez as the last Democrat.
What they're saying: "Trusty is an expert in telecommunications policy and someone who understands the need for a spectrum pipeline to free up bands for commercial use," said Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz.
- "I may not always agree with her, but as long as [Senate Majority Leader John Thune] plans to continue to move nominees of both sides I will continue to support her nomination," Ranking Member Maria Cantwell said.
What's next: The nomination now heads to the full Senate.
- Trusty, a longtime Republican Hill staffer, is expected to be confirmed easily.
- She would be at the center of debates around speech and Big Tech, as well as spectrum auctions and internet deployment.
