WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, today applauded the Senate’s strong bipartisan vote to re-confirm Jessica Rosenworcel for a third term on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Senator King has worked effectively with Rosenworcel, and collaborated with her in seeking to expand affordable, high-speed broadband connections to more people throughout the country and on efforts to close the “homework gap.” Earlier this year, when Rosenworcel served as Acting Chair of the FCC, Senator King sent a letter to the Biden administration urging them to appoint Rosenworcel to the role permanently. President Biden made the appointment the following month; in response, Senator King stated that he was thrilled by the appointment, and that “there is no one more qualified for this role.”

“Over the last year and half, we’ve seen that a high-speed broadband connection isn’t a luxury – it is an absolute necessity for anyone looking to work, study, or take care of their health in the 21st century,” said Senator King. “Jessica Rosenworcel knows the importance of these connections, and has spent her career fighting to expand affordable, high-speed broadband to every corner of our country to close the digital divide. She is deeply experienced, has a strong command of the issues, and a tireless commitment to ensuring that Americans in every pocket of this country can access the promises of the internet – and today, the Senate’s strong bipartisan vote showed how important her contributions are to the country.

“Earlier this year, Congress passed the two largest broadband investments in history through the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill – and I’m glad we’ll have Chair Rosenworcel at the helm to help steer these funds and maximize their impact on households throughout Maine,” added Senator King. “Keeping Jessica Rosenworcel on the FCC is a huge victory for broadband efforts, and for the American people. I look forward to continuing to work alongside her as we turn these once-in-a-generation investments into a foundation of long-term economic success.

As co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Broadband Caucus, Senator King has been a strong advocate for expanding affordable broadband access as a way to increase economic opportunity in rural Maine – and has raised the issue consistently during the coronavirus pandemic. After Senator King’s advocacy and negotiation, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to invest $65 billion in broadband infrastructure across the nation. The IIJA’s historic broadband provisions include over $40 billion in block grants to states and $2 billion for tribal governments, mirroring Senator King’s bipartisan BRIDGE Act and the Digital Equity Act, he championed to invest $2.75 billion in an array of projects at the state and local level that promote “digital equity.” This is in addition to securing $10 billion in funding for broadband in the American Rescue Plan, as well as more than $7 billion to close the digital divide for students nationwide. Together, these constitute the largest investment in broadband in the nation’s history.

Jessica Rosenworcel currently serves as Chair of the Federal Communications Commission, after being elevated from Acting Chair in October 2021. She has served as a Commissioner at the FCC since 2012. During her time at the agency, she has worked to promote greater opportunity, accessibility, and affordability in our communications services in order to ensure that all Americans get a fair shot at 21st century success. She is the first woman in history to lead the independent agency on a permanent basis.