[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 144 (Thursday, September 7, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4253-S4254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                      Nomination of Anna M. Gomez

  Mr. LUJAN. Madam President, communications and technology are at the 
forefront of policy today. From protecting consumers to establishing 
competitive and open markets to using spectrum and fiber to close the 
digital divide, the Federal Communications Commission is the expert 
Agency to establish regulations, policy, and recommendations to 
Congress.
  Before us today is a genuine and passionate public servant. Anna 
Gomez has proven herself to be a prominent leader in technology and 
telecommunications, and I urge my colleagues to support her 
confirmation.
  Ms. Gomez is more than ready to assume her next role in public 
service as our fifth and final FCC Commissioner. As I often say, folks 
know the difference between fast internet, slow internet, and no 
internet. I rise today before my colleagues to voice my support for a 
deeply qualified person who knows the difference between fast internet, 
slow internet, and no internet. She has the experience to bridge those 
divides.
  Today, one in five families in New Mexico are living without a 
reliable connection to the internet. Ms. Gomez has worked on bringing 
more reliable and affordable ways to connect Americans to the internet 
almost as long as the term ``digital divide'' has been around. I was a 
strong advocate for the President to nominate Anna, and her reception 
here in the Senate is proof that she is the right choice. Anna's 
professional record is impeccable, and her path is an inspiration.
  During her confirmation hearing, Ms. Gomez shared her story of 
scraping, borrowing, and working her way through college and through 
law school. Beyond law school, Ms. Gomez's experience in the White 
House, the State Department, the U.S. Senate, the National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the FCC shows us 
all that she is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and get to work.
  I am confident that with her issue-oriented experience at every level 
of the congressionally mandated responsibilities of the FCC, she will 
be ready on day one. Protecting the public interest and advancing 
universal service for broadband and broadcast services is a passion for 
Ms. Gomez.
  Anna's voice as the first Latina to serve on the Commission since my 
fellow New Mexican, Gloria Tristani, is very welcomed. I know that many 
of my colleagues here know that numbing sense of fear one can have when 
your constituents are in the midst of danger from a wildfire or a 
hurricane or a flood, with no way to reach them. Having reliable access 
to broadband connectivity during an emergency can mean the difference 
between someone coming home or not.
  Anna Gomez has worked on securing reliable communication access for 
our first responders all across the country. As we continue to 
encounter more and more climate disasters, these efforts made by Ms. 
Gomez will continue to play a critical role.
  Moreover, the Federal Communications Commission has never been more 
important in our Nation's history. These technologies have proven their 
value and demonstrated huge potential. However, the complexities of 
these ever-evolving technological wonders are multifaceted, 
intersectional, and complex.
  Americans need the force of a fully appointed Federal Communications 
Commission to protect consumers, to guarantee competition, and foster 
innovation. The mission and work of the FCC has never been more 
important to the future of our Nation.
  Anna Gomez will play a pivotal role in setting the course for our 
country into the next digital generation. I urge my colleagues to work 
together to bridge these digital divides; and today,

[[Page S4254]]

I urge you to vote yes on the confirmation of Anna Gomez to be a 
Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission.
  I yield the floor.