January 24, 2017

Statement on Appointment of Ajit Pai as FCC Chairman

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today issued the following statement on the president’s choice of Ajit Pai as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

"The job of the FCC is to ensure a free and open internet and always put consumers first, not big corporations. Over the past years, the FCC has robustly looked out for Americans - not special interests.

As with many appointments by Mr. Trump, I am concerned that as Chairman, Commissioner Pai will work for policies that benefit special interests and Big Cable, which have sought for years to control access to content on the internet above the interests of the American people.

The FCC must continue working for consumers and against monopolies by protecting net neutrality, moving forward with set-top box competition, and supporting rural jobs in Oregon and across the country by backing funding to build out broadband in rural communities.

I will hold the FCC accountable to protect consumers and fight any attempt to roll back net neutrality."