1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Today I take pen in hand to write urge you to speak with Senator Cantwell, and Senator Cruz on the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. I ask you to urge them to delay the confirmation hearing for Olivia Trusty for FCC Commissioner. Until such time as there is a binding written assurance that the current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will remain fully staffed with five commissioners for the duration of this administration, she must not be confirmed. Furthermore, the committee should follow past precedent and confirm a replacement for Commissioner Starks alongside Ms. Trusty's nomination. The recent firing of FTC Commissioners Bedoya and Slaughter by President Trump set a dangerous directly co. That action, as you know contradicts federal law and Supreme Court precedent.It removes all dissenting voices from the agency, undermining its independence and ability to fairly enforce consumer protection and antitrust laws without political interference. There are flashing red light concerns that this could set a precedent putting FCC Commissioner Gomez at risk of similar retaliation upon Trusty's confirmation as the third Republican commissioner. The FCC's vital mission to ensure universal connectivity, promote media diversity, and protect consumers depends on maintaining its full, bipartisan five-member structure as Congress intended. At this time, when the freedom of the media is under constant attack, and the Internet is constantly being made less ’neutral’ by large corporations, the role of the FCC has never been more important. Attempting to unlawfully remove Commissioner Gomez, especially with Commissioner Starks' announced departure, would severely undermine the FCC's statutory duties at a critical time. The Senate must ensure Starks is replaced and Gomez remains to uphold the agency's independence. I implore you to delay Trusty's confirmation until the administration guarantees maintaining the FCC's nonpartisan structure and replaces both vacant seats according to proper procedures. Safeguarding these independent agencies' integrity is crucial for protecting democratic norms and the separation of powers. Thank you for your attention to this matter.