Earlier this morning, FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks issued a statement indicating his intention to resign sometime this spring. In his statement, he said:
“Today I sent a letter to the President and Leader Schumer indicating that I intend to resign my seat as a Commissioner this spring. Serving the American people as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission has been the honor of my life. With my extraordinary fellow Commissioners and the incredible career staff at the agency, we have worked hard to connect all Americans, promote innovation, protect consumers, and ensure national security.”
Commissioner Stark’s decision was not unexpected. Nonetheless, it will create new options for the Trump Administration. Today, the FCC has two Republicans (FCC Chairman Carr and Commissioner Simington) and two Democrats (Commissioner Starks and Commissioner Gomez). There is one Republican vacancy which will be filled by Olivia Trusty. Once confirmed, Commissioner Trusty will give Chairman Carr three Republican votes allowing him to move forward with his agenda.
The resignation of Commissioner Starks will further solidify Chairman Carr’s majority at the FCC. While the Trump Administration will be nominating a Democrat, it is likely to be a person more closely aligned with the President’s agenda. Bottom line, we expect this will help Chairman Carr move forward with his deregulatory agenda.
We wish Commissioner Starks the best and thank him for his strong support of the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act.
You can see Commissioner Starks resignation notice here.