Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) has confirmed that Christine Kurth, Deputy Staff Director of the Senate Commerce Committee, has withdrawn herself from consideration for nomination to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

After extensive discussions with the Administration, Kurth chose to withdraw her name from consideration because of the strict interpretation of the “covered relationship” rule as it pertains to the FCC. Should Kurth have been nominated and confirmed as an FCC Commissioner, her husband, who consults for telecommunications companies, would have been required to cease work on behalf of his clients; or Kurth, as a Commissioner, would have been required to recuse herself from various matters under the FCC’s jurisdiction even in situations where her husband was not working on the particular issue.

Kurth looks forward to continuing in her role on the Senate Commerce Committee, where she coordinates the legislative work of the Committee and is responsible for handling telecommunications policy. She remains committed to advancing the President’s communications agenda – just from a different seat at the table.

“While I am disappointed that Christine will not be joining the FCC, I am delighted to have her talents and expertise on the Commerce Committee as we continue our work on telecommunications issues,” said Chairman Stevens.