WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good afternoon.  Welcome and congratulations to you both.  Being a Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is one of the most difficult jobs in Washington.  Everyone in this room knows about the wide-ranging authority the FCC has over everything from broadband to cell phones to television content to public safety communications.

It’s a tough job, but I believe that Jessica Rosenworcel, one of the President’s nominees to be an FCC Commissioner, is up to the task.  Ms. Rosenworcel currently serves as the Senior Counsel for the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet here at the Commerce Committee.  She has spent nearly fifteen years working on communications issues, and I believe there is no better-qualified person for this position.  She’s earned the respect of both Democrats and Republicans, and her expertise on complex communications policy is unparalleled.  Those of you who have worked with Jessica know that she is meticulous, sharp and above all else a professional.

Joining her on the FCC—I hope—is Ajit Pai, an attorney and, like Jessica, has also worked at the FCC.  He is a native of Parsons, Kansas which is worth mentioning because it shows he has an understanding of the communications challenges in rural America.  This is important to me and to the people in my home state of West Virginia.  Mr. Pai is a highly distinguished nominee with the experience and knowledge necessary to fill this post.

Both of these nominees are devoted public servants.  Both have a background at the FCC, Congress, and the private sector, which allows them to have a deep understanding of communications policy and the impact it has on everyday life in our country.  I expect both nominees to focus on closing the digital divide that exists in our country and bring much-needed, expanded access to all Americans, including rural Americans who currently are underserved.

I look forward to your testimony, and I am pleased to support each of these individuals.  I hope that the confirmation process will move as quickly as possible so that you may get to work.  Thank you to our witnesses.    

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