Ngayon ay minarkahan ang isang taong anibersaryo ng nominasyon ni Gigi Sohn na magsilbi bilang FCC commissioner. Unang hinirang si Ms. Sohn noong Oktubre 6, 2021 at hindi pa nakakatanggap ng boto sa pagkumpirma. Ang pagkaantala sa kanyang kumpirmasyon ay nagpanatiling bukas sa bakante at na-deadlock ang FCC sa 2-2 split. Ang isang naka-deadlock na FCC ay hindi makakagawa ng mga makabuluhang reporma na tumutugon sa mga pangangailangan sa komunikasyon ng ating mga komunidad.

Pahayag ni Michael Copps, Common Cause Special Adviser at Dating FCC Commissioner

“One year later and the clock continues to run down for Gigi Sohn to be confirmed and for the FCC to have its full complement of commissioners. With limited time remaining, confirming Ms. Sohn is our only option to break the FCC’s deadlock and empower the agency to fully address the communications needs of our households.

“Big money opposition continues to run its smear campaign to stall Ms. Sohn’s confirmation and maintain the FCC’s current deadlock. The big internet service provider gatekeepers are well aware that a fully functional FCC would hold them accountable for engaging in discriminatory and anticompetitive practices. In fact, a recent report form The Markup shows how the big ISPs are digitally redlining low income areas and communities of color, providing these households with outdated services while charging the same rates for faster speeds they provide in higher-income and whiter areas. We need a fully functional FCC to combat these practices and ensure everyone has equitable access to the internet.

“As Congress approaches its lame duck period, it’s crucial Ms. Sohn receives a vote in the senate. We are in a critical moment where too much is at stake and too many of our households are at risk if the FCC continues to remain deadlocked. Senate Majority Leader Schumer and other senate leaders must do everything in their power to ensure Ms. Sohn receives a vote.”