[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 156 (Thursday, September 28, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Page S6199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                         Nomination of Ajit Pai

  Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, later on today, the Senate will move to a 
vote to advance the nomination of Ajit Pai to become Chairman of the 
Federal Communications Commission. I rise today in strong, enthusiastic 
support for confirming Chairman Pai as the permanent Chairman of the 
FCC.
  In the 9 short months since Donald Trump chose Mr. Pai to serve as 
the FCC's Acting Chairman, he has restored confidence in the agency's 
ability to do its work on behalf of the American people and within the 
rule of law.
  He is working to establish the light-touch regulatory framework that 
allowed the internet to become the marvel of the modern age, keeping it 
free and open for consumers, innovators, and providers. Internet 
technology will continue to thrive if we keep the heavy hand of 
government away from the controls.
  Chairman Pai recognizes the need to close the digital divide between 
our Nation's rural and urban communities. I am working closely with him 
and with other members of the Commission to remove barriers to internet 
connectivity that exist in my home State of Mississippi and across the 
country. Without broadband access, these rural communities could lose 
out on critical jobs, economic development, and many other 
opportunities borne out of the thriving internet economy.
  Mr. Pai has already proven he is capable of being an exemplary FCC 
Chairman who will fight for the unserved and underserved Americans.
  As Acting Chairman, Mr. Pai has overseen the adoption of Mobility 
Fund Phase II rules supporting universal service. He has sought the 
advice of experts for the most effective broadband deployment, and he 
has encouraged the development of better networks, lower costs, and 
relief from regulatory burdens.
  Americans are being well-served by a leader like Chairman Ajit Pai, 
who understands the strong connection between technology and 
innovation. Mr. Pai understands how high-speed internet can 
revolutionize small businesses and benefit local economies. He 
understands the importance of consumer protections and has already 
instituted proposals and rules that would benefit public safety.
  I hope Mr. Pai will also continue to hold the FCC to the highest 
standards of transparency. His decision to make proposals and orders 
accessible to the public prior to the Commission's vote on them was a 
positive action.
  The FCC will continue to be in good hands with Mr. Pai as Chairman 
and when the Senate votes later on today to move this nomination along. 
I urge my colleagues to vote yes and eventually to vote yes for his 
confirmation.