Trump picks Republican to fill empty commissioner seat at FCC

Trump nominates Brendan Carr, general counsel and former aide to Chairman Pai.

The Federal Communications Commission's empty slots are about to be filled. President Donald Trump will nominate Republican Brendan Carr to the FCC's fifth and final commissioner position, the White House announced last night.

Carr served as FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai's Wireless, Public Safety, and International Legal Advisor for three years. After Trump elevated Pai to the chairmanship in January, Pai appointed Carr to become the FCC's general counsel.

"Brendan has a distinguished record of public service, having worked at the agency for over five years, including most recently as the FCC’s General Counsel," Pai said after the White House announcement. "In particular, Brendan’s expertise on wireless policy and public safety will be a tremendous asset to the Commission."

The commission has been doing its work with three out of the maximum five members this year, with Republicans holding a 2-1 majority. The White House previously announced plans to nominate Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel to one of the two empty spots. Because no party is allowed hold more than a one-vote FCC majority, the president nominates members of the opposing party based on recommendations from the opposing party's leadership.

Nominations are reviewed by the Senate, which will likely approve Rosenworcel and Carr at the same time in order to preserve Republicans' one-vote majority. Carr could provide the third vote to repeal net neutrality rules in a decision later this year.

“On the front lines defending Pai’s policy shifts”

"Carr’s in-depth regulatory knowledge, plus his backing from Pai, is likely what set him apart from the other contenders for the GOP slot, sources have said," Politico reported.

As the FCC's top lawyer, "Carr has been on the front lines defending Pai’s policy shifts," such as a decision to drop the FCC's court defense of certain price caps on inmate calling services, Politico also noted.

Mignon Clyburn, the FCC's lone Democrat, said that Carr "is well respected on both sides of the aisle and has demonstrated a deep knowledge of the legal and policy issues facing the communications sector."