As we have previously reported, the Biden Administration once again nominated activist and former FCC official Gigi Sohn to a position on the Federal Communications Commission. Those efforts have ended as the White House has withdrawn her name from consideration. In asking that her name be withdrawn, Ms. Sohn stated:
“Last night after discussions with my family and careful consideration, I made the decision to ask President Biden to withdraw my nomination to the Federal Communications Commission. When I accepted his nomination over sixteen months ago, I could not have imagined that legions of cable and media industry lobbyists, their bought-and-paid-for surrogates, and dark money political groups with bottomless pockets would distort my over 30-year history as a consumer advocate into an absurd caricature of blatant lies. The unrelenting, dishonest, and cruel attacks on my character and my career as an advocate for the public interest have taken an enormous toll on me and my family.”
There is no question that Ms. Sohn’s nomination created considerable controversy. She was heavily criticized by Republicans at her confirmation hearing on a variety of issues. In the end, Republicans and several Democratic Senators expressed concern over her nomination.
As a result of her withdrawal, the Commission remains split with two democrats and two republicans. This means that the FCC is unlikely to move forward with any major policy changes.
We expect the Biden Administration to move forward with another democratic nominee in the next few months.
Sohn’s withdrawal statement can be found here.
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