WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet today, took to the Senate floor to voice their support and urge their colleagues to also support the nomination of Ajit Pai to a second term as a commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  

The Senate is expected to hold a final vote on Chairman Pai’s nomination on Monday, October 2, 2017.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.)

Click here to watch video of Sen. Thune’s floor speech.

“As I noted at the outset, Chairman Pai has already made much-needed reforms to improve the processes at the FCC and empower his fellow commissioners.  He has already shown a commitment to ensuring transparency and openness at the Commission that gives me great confidence in the direction he will lead the agency.  Chairman Pai’s new approach I believe will lead to more long-lasting and positive results at the FCC.  That is why I believe the elevation of Ajit Pai to be the Chairman of the Commission is a much-needed breath of fresh air, and why I believe he should be confirmed promptly, without further delay.” 

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)

Click here to watch video of Sen. Wicker’s floor speech.

“Mr. Pai has already proven he is capable of being an exemplary FCC Chairman who will fight for unserved and underserved Americans.  As acting chairman, Mr. Pai has overseen the adoption of Mobility Fund Phase II rules supporting universal service. He has sought the advice of experts for the most effective broadband deployment, and he has encouraged the development of better networks, lower costs, and relief from regulatory burdens. 

“Americans are being well served by a leader like Chairman Ajit Pai, who understands the strong connection between technology and innovation.  Mr. Pai understands how high-speed Internet can revolutionize small businesses and benefit local economies.  He understands the importance of consumer protections and has already instituted proposals and rules that would benefit public safety.  I hope Mr. Pai will also continue to hold the FCC to the highest standards of transparency. His decision to make proposals and orders accessible to the public prior to the Commission’s vote on them was a positive action.”