WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today reacted to the president’s formal nomination of Michael O’Rielly to serve on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

“I first had an opportunity to get to know Mike while he was an analyst at the Republican Policy Committee during my chairmanship,” said Thune. “Mike is very bright, thoughtful, and articulate. He is a champion of the free market, and I know he will be a strong addition to the FCC. In recent conversations, he has impressed me with his understanding of the many issues on the communications horizon and the importance of the Commission’s work when it comes to the unique communications challenges in rural states like South Dakota. In light of the Senate Commerce Committee’s action this week on Tom Wheeler, I look forward to the expedited consideration of Mike’s nomination that Chairman Rockefeller and others have pledged so both nominees can be confirmed by the full Senate in the near future.”

The FCC is composed of five bipartisan commissioners; two seats are currently vacant.

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