Senate confirms Trump FCC nominee amid Democratic pushback

The Senate voted Tuesday to confirm Republican Nathan Simington to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), potentially hamstringing the Biden administration before it even takes office.

Simington, a senior adviser at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, was confirmed 49-46 despite fierce opposition from Democrats and digital rights groups.

“Nathan Simington is a deeply dangerous nominee to the FCC,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) warned during a virtual event with civil rights groups Monday. “He’s dangerous on the issues: net neutrality, Lifeline, E-Rate, and rural broadband … he is conflicted, unprepared and unqualified.”

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) praised Simington for his “light-touch regulatory approach” after the vote.

“Nathan Simington’s confirmation will help ensure a balanced FCC and continued light-touch regulatory approach that has kept the internet free and open for all Americans,” Wicker said.

President Trump nominated Simington after pulling the renomination of Republican Commissioner Mike O’Rielly in August.