President Obama yesterday announced the nominations of Ajit Varadaraj Pai and Jessica Rosenworcel for commissioner posts at the FCC, according to the White House.
Pai and Rosenworcel will replace outgoing commissioners Meredith Atwell Baker and Michael Copps. The new nominees would maintain the 3-2 split at the FCC in favor of Democrats.
Rosenworcel is currently the senior communications counsel for the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, working for Sen. Jay Rockefeller IV since 2009, and previously for Sen. Daniel K. Inouye from 2007 to 2008. Before joining the Committee, she worked at the FCC from 1999 to 2007, serving as legal advisor and then senior legal advisor to Commissioner Copps (2003-2007), legal counsel to the Bureau Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau (2002-2003), and as an attorney-advisor in the Policy Division of the Common Carrier Bureau (1999-2002).
Pai is currently a partner in the litigation department of Jenner & Block. Immediately prior to joining Jenner & Block, Pai worked in the Office of the General Counsel at the FCC, where he served as Deputy General Counsel, Associate General Counsel and Special Advisor to the General Counsel.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski applauded the nominations.
“In nominating Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai as FCC commissioners, President Obama made two outstanding choices for the Commission and for the American people,” said Genachowski. “Given their talent, leadership and expertise in our space, they would both play an invaluable role at the FCC.”
CTIA also gave its blessings to Pai and Rosenworcel.
“On behalf of the wireless industry, we congratulate Ajit and Jessica for their nomination as FCC commissioners,” wrote CTIA President and CEO Steve Largent. “They have a wealth of experience in Washington, knowledge of communications issues and thoughtfulness that will be great additions to the Commission. Once they complete the Senate confirmation process, we look forward to working with them on wireless telecom matters, including getting more spectrum for our industry.”
