[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 216 (Saturday, December 19, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S7841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                    Nomination of John Chase Johnson

  Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, the FCC is one of the most important 
independent agencies that we are counting on for the future of the 
information age. When you think about the fact that they regulate 
interstate commerce, radio, television, wire, and satellite in all 50 
States, it is imperative--imperative--that we have someone as the IG 
who understands these policies.
  I believe the next era of telecom is going to usher in 5G. I do think 
we are going to solve our rural IT problems. I do think we are going to 
connect schools. But if we have an IG who does not understand 
communication policy, has no experience in communication policy, has 
never had a role in that, I say we won't accomplish the mission of 
oversight or the mission, ultimately, at the FCC.
  It is clear we don't all agree. It is clear we don't all agree. You 
got a nominee last week; I didn't spend all my time talking about why 
we opposed them. There was no debate.
  But when it comes to an IG, we have to get on the same page. We need 
an IG we can believe in. So I ask my colleagues to turn down this 
nomination and get us someone who has a depth of experience we all can 
believe in.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Mississippi.
  Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak on this 
nomination for 1 minute.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, Chase Johnson is the nominee here. This is 
a cloture vote. He is a marine. He is a Marine Reserve veteran. He is 
an accomplished attorney. He was reported from the Commerce Committee 
on a unanimous, bipartisan vote. The distinguished ranking member who 
just spoke made the motion that Chase Johnson be reported.
  We are the victim this afternoon of some absences. We are also the 
victim this afternoon of some discussion and some differences that have 
arisen over extraneous issues, and I would just urge my colleagues, 
both on and off the committee, to remember that this was a unanimous 
vote out of the committee.
  This is an outstanding candidate, and he deserves to be confirmed. 
With that, I ask for a yes vote.
  And, Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the mandatory quorum 
call be waived.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Without objection, it is so ordered.

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