Thune Criticizes Sohn FCC Nomination, in Floor Speech
Senate Communications Subcommittee ranking member John Thune, R-S.D., urged “at least some” Democrats Thursday to “join Republicans in opposing” FCC nominee Gigi Sohn, saying in a floor speech “we should all be able to agree that virulent partisanship and an…
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inability to fulfill the responsibilities of one’s job are disqualifying characteristics for a role on the FCC.” The Senate Commerce Committee voted 14-14 on Sohn earlier this month, with Thune and all 13 other panel Republicans in opposition (see 2203030070). Thune cited several issues that led him to believe Sohn “cannot be relied upon to fulfill any of her responsibilities in an impartial manner,” including the nominee’s responses about her role as a board member for Locast operator Sports Fans Coalition in a shift in the settlement of broadcasters’ lawsuit against the shuttered rebroadcaster and her social media comments about conservative media outlets. Thune noted concerns that Sohn may even "go further" than just bringing back the FCC’s 2015 net neutrality rules and reclassification of broadband as a Communications Act Title II service and recent comments from former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., in opposition to the nominee. “I don’t expect a Democrat nominee to the FCC to agree with Republicans on all the issues,” Thune said. “Far from it. But I do expect a Democrat nominee to be able to do his or her job, and do it an impartial and unbiased manner,” and Sohn’s “record strongly suggests that she cannot be relied upon to fulfill any of her responsibilities in an impartial manner.” Sohn didn't comment.