Senate Panel to Consider Trump FCC Nominee Before Democrats Take Control

A Senate committee is set to consider Trump nominee Danielle Thumann Severs for the FCC at a hearing on November 10.

If the committee advances her nomination, the full Senate could vote before Republicans lose their majority in January, when Democrats are set to take control of both chambers of Congress.

Her confirmation could expand the FCC’s Republican majority from two to three on a commission that currently has three members.

The remaining Democrat, Anna Gomez, can stay in the role through the end of 2027 under a holdover rule, unless a successor takes office first.

Senator Ron Wyden says the law requires bipartisan representation even when the commission has fewer than five members, but that interpretation could face legal challenges.

Wyden warns that an all-Republican commission could make its decisions legally uncertain for the communications industry.

The committee hearing is the next step; a confirmation vote could follow if the panel advances the nomination.