Reid Holds Bill Up Over FCC Nomination

Harry Reid

Democrat Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid is holding up legislation backed by Senate Commerce Chairman Republican John Thune in an escalating war over the re-nomination of a member of the FCC.

A spokesperson suggested the hold is linked to Republicans' unwillingness to confirm FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel for a second term.

According to The Hill, Sen. Reid continues to expect Chairman Thune and Sen. McConnell to keep their word and re-confirm Commissioner Rosenworcel,” said a spokesperson for the minority leader when asked about the hold.

Jessica Rosenworcel

The bill in question is aimed at encouraging the government to give up some of its valuable spectrum, the frequencies that carry signals to mobile devices such as smartphones, for use by the private sector. It’s not high-profile outside of tech policy circles, but is a priority for Thune and the committee’s staff.

Reid and other Democrats are frustrated that Republicans haven’t moved the nomination of Rosenworcel, a Democrat, to serve a second term on the commission. They say that when they approved the nomination of Republican Michael O’Rielly in 2013, they did so on the condition that Republicans would move a Democratic nominee.

Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) both reportedly have holds on the nomination. Thune has said those holds could be loosened if FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler would commit to leaving at the same time as President Obama.