WASHINGTON — Industry players, public-interest groups and prominent members of Congress weighed in Thursday (May 21) on President Obama's intention to renominate Jessica Rosenworcel for a second term on the Federal Communications Commission, echoing a theme of public service and passionate advocacy for her positions.
“ACA congratulates FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel on her well-deserved nomination to serve a new term at the agency," said American Cable Association President Matt Polka. "Commissioner Rosenworcel knows the unique issues facing the independent cable community, and she regularly considers the needs of industry providers serving rural markets with advanced communications services in her decision-making.
“A talented and hard-working public servant, Commissioner Rosenworcel shares with ACA an abiding interest in public policies that promote competition and protect consumers. Independent cable operators look forward to working with Commissioner Rosenworcel for another five years following her Senate confirmation.”
"[Rosenworcel] has proven to be a dedicated public servant and a leader in public safety, technology and consumer protection,” National Association of Broadcasters president Gordon Smith said. “We appreciate her fair treatment and open door policy toward broadcast-related issues and strongly support her swift confirmation."
Added Walter McCormick Jr., president of phone-industry trade group U.S. Telecom: “[She] has a deep background in communications law and policy, extraordinary professional experience and a history of public service, and has shown herself to be a responsible commissioner dedicated to the public interest. We extend our congratulations to commissioner Rosenworcel and look forward to continuing to work with her on a host of important public policy issues relating to 21st century communications and the new Internet ecosystem.”
“Commissioner Rosenworcel has served the American people with distinction as a member of the FCC and TIA applauds President Obama’s decision to nominate her to a new term," Telecommunications Industry Association CEO Scott Belcher said. "She has been a tireless advocate for expanding broadband opportunities for all Americans through her work on the E-Rate program and a thought leader on policies to make more spectrum available to meet the needs of the information economy. TIA looks forward to the Senate’s swift confirmation of Commissioner Rosenworcel.”
Jim Cicconi, senior executive vice president at telco AT&T, called Rosenworcel an "experienced, respected, and important voice on every major issue the Commission has faced. Her nomination for another term on the FCC is very welcome news.”
Rosenworcel has a big fan in Adrianne Furniss, executive director of the Benton Foundation, an Evanston, Ill.-based nonprofit foundation that promotes communications in the public interest.
"[She] understands quickly-evolving technologies and has the vision to see how these changes will impact the traditional, American values of access, equity and diversity," Furniss said. "In her time at the FCC, Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel has been a vocal advocate for harnessing telecommunications to build stronger schools, improve city services, and unleash more Americans' creative potential. This is critical to U.S. competitiveness in the global economy. Commissioner Rosenworcel has also ensured our telecommunications policies honor public safety, universal access, competition and consumer protection. The Benton Foundation looks forward to continuing to work with Commissioner Rosenworcel on many issues and especially on the “the homework gap” in which households without broadband struggle to get their children the connectivity they need to do basic schoolwork."
House Energy and Commerce Committee ranking member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) added his applause to the mix.
“Commissioner Rosenworcel has been a tireless and passionate public servant throughout her career," he said. "Her deep understanding of the issues that the Commission confronts has made her a valuable resource for the agency and for those of us in Congress. I commend the president on an excellent nomination.”
Rosenworcel has been on the commission since 2012, but has been renominated for a new five-year term.
