To fill the vacation Federal Communications Commission seat, President Donald Trump has officially nominated Geoffrey Starks to replace outgoing Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. While Trump has nominated Starks, his appointment will require approval from the US Senate.
In 2009, President Barack Obama nominated outgoing Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, and has been a strong advocate for net neutrality. Clyburn’s term officially ended in June 2017, but she remained with the FCC while waiting for a successor to be named. Starks’ nomination doesn’t come as a surprise because he was tapped earlier this year for this role by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The FCC‘s five commissioners can only have three of the same party representatives, and Starks will be filling the vacant Democratic seat. The other seat is currently filled by Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel.
In a statement, Pai said that Starks had a “distinguished record of public service, including in the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau.” Pai wished Starks well in the coming confirmation process. This process will take place in the coming months.
