A group of 21 House Democrats is appealing to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation chair Ted Cruz to only advance the confirmation of Republican FCC nominee Danielle Thumann Severs alongside the renomination of the agency’s lone Democrat, Anna M. Gomez. The congressmen write: “The 
Communications Act limits how many commissioners may belong to one political party, ensuring that decisions on broadband, media ownership, and network security are tested by more than one point of view. Preserving that balance is central to how the Commission is meant to function. Commissioner Gomez has brought independent judgment and a clear command of the FCC’s statutory responsibilities to her work and has consistently engaged with members on both sides of the aisle on the merits of an issue rather than its politics. She has remained focused on many of the core responsibilities that Congress has entrusted to the FCC: closing the digital divide, protecting consumers, promoting competition and innovation, strengthening the security of our communications networks, and advancing U.S. technological leadership.” The group also says, “The Commission functions as intended only when both parties have a seat at the table. Confirming an additional Republican nominee without also securing continued Democratic representation would upset that balance. Commissioner Gomez has shown the experience and judgment to continue that work. We therefore ask that the Senate pair any new Republican nominee with her renomination to a full term, consistent with the bipartisan design Congress built into this agency.”
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026
