WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Thomas Wheeler and Michael O’Rielly to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

“I am very pleased that the Senate has confirmed both Mr. Wheeler and Mr. O’Rielly today so that the FCC will be able to operate with a full slate of Commissioners. I believe that Mr. Wheeler will competently and capably serve the nation in his new role as chairman of the FCC, and that Mr. O’Rielly will use his extensive legislative background to advocate free market principles and a light regulatory touch when it comes to issues before the Commission. I especially appreciate both nominees’ commitment to be mindful of rural communications issues as they craft the FCC’s agenda.” 

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