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  "description": "Committee also approves FACT Act and another bipartisan bill impacting FCC operations.",
  "path": "/senate-panel-advances-trustys-fcc-nomination/",
  "publishedAt": "2025-04-30T17:24:29.000Z",
  "site": "https://broadbandbreakfast.com",
  "tags": [
    "_plans to step down_",
    "_a slate of bipartisan bills_",
    "_passed its version of the bill Monday_"
  ],
  "textContent": "WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 – The Senate Commerce Committee voted 21–7 Wednesday to advance**Olivia Trusty** ’s nomination to the Federal Communications Commission, teeing up a floor vote that could give Republicans a 3–2 majority at the FCC.\n\nTrusty’s nomination drew support from Democrats on the panel, but several warned they may withhold floor support unless the White House commits to pairing her confirmation with a Democratic nominee.The FCC has two sitting Democratic commissioners, but **Geoffrey Starks** has announced _plans to step down_ this Spring.\n\n“While I'm supporting Ms. Trusty for this position today, I cannot commit to supporting her on the floor if there are not commitments from the White House that they will respect the independence of the FCC, and – as has been precedent – that this nomination is paired with a Democratic nominee on the floor,” said Sen. **Jacky Rosen** , D-Nev.\n\nRosen pointed to recent firings of two Democratic Federal Trade Commissioners as a breach of norms for independent agencies.\n\n“I support advancing [Trusty’s] nomination because of her experience and work,” Sen.**Amy Klobuchar** , D-Minn., added, “but I do not believe she will have my vote on the floor if we have not advanced the Democratic nominee.”\n\nRanking Member Sen. **Maria Cantwell** , D-Wash, echoed the sentiment: “As long as [Senate Majority Leader**John Thune**] plans to continue to move nominees on both sides I will continue to support [Trusty’s] nomination.”\n\nThe committee’s Republican leadership struck a different tone. Committee Chair Sen.**Ted Cruz** , R-Texas, praised Trusty as “an expert in telecommunications policy,” noting her prior work for former Sen. **Roger Wicker** , R-Miss.\n\n“[She] understands the need for a spectrum pipeline to free up bands for commercial use,” Cruz said. “I look forward to working with her and with [FCC Chairman **Brendan Carr**] as we restore the FCC’s commercial auction authority this Congress.”\n\nIn addition to advancing Trusty’s nomination, the committee pushed forward _a slate of bipartisan bills_ by voice vote, including a few that would affect FCC operations.\n\nOne of them, S. 259, the _Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency (FACT) Act_ , would require the FCC to assess and publicly disclose foreign ownership stakes in companies authorized to operate within U.S. telecommunications networks. The House _passed its version of the bill Monday_.\n\nThe bill’s sponsor, Sen. **Deb Fischer** , R-Neb., said: “Foreign adversaries like China continue to look for quiet footholds in devices and in our networks. Until now, no law has required the disclosure of companies linked to foreign adversaries that are operating in the U.S. tech and telecom markets. My bill addresses that.”\n\nOther bills that could impact FCC operations include S. 725, the _Enhancing First Response Act_ , from Sens.**Amy Klobuchar** , D-Minn., and**Marsha Blackburn** , R-Tenn., which would reclassify 911 dispatchers as protective service workers and would require the FCC to issue reports and hold hearings on major communications outages.\n\nCruz said the bill would “improve emergency response by ensuring 911 professionals receive the recognition and support they deserve.”\n\nThe committee also advanced S. 769, the _United States Research Protection Act_ , sponsored by Sens.**John Cornyn** , R-Texas, and**Chris Coons** , D-Del., which would strengthen safeguards in the _CHIPS and Science Act_ against foreign recruitment efforts by countries such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.\n\n“This proposal strengthens and clarifies safeguards against foreign actors – including China, Iran, North Korea and Russia – who seek to exploit U.S. research institutions,” Cantwell said in support.\n\nIn total, the committee advanced more than a dozen bills and nominations on Tuesday, ranging from spectrum and emergency response to blockchain development and earthquake preparedness.\n\n“All told, the nominations and bills we're voting on today represent a bipartisan vision for a secure, competitive, and safe America,” Cruz said",
  "title": "Senate Panel Advances Trusty’s FCC Nomination",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-11T03:30:21.615Z"
}