Full House.

Anna Gomez was confirmed as the fifth Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission last week. The vote was 55-43, with all Democrats and five Republicans voting in favor. Ms. Gomez is a lawyer with experience at the FCC and the State Department. The confirmation was met with mixed reactions. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) congratulated Gomez, saying that her experience in telecommunications policymaking would help the FCC address the critical issues facing radio and television broadcasters. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) also praised Gomez’s confirmation, saying that it would deliver a Democratic majority to the FCC and allow the agency to make progress on issues such as net neutrality and broadband access. However, some Republicans, such as Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), opposed Gomez’s confirmation, arguing that she would impose a “radical left-wing agenda” on the FCC. Senator John Thune (R-SD) also expressed concerns that Gomez would undo the progress that has been made in expanding broadband access to rural areas. Gomez’s confirmation gives the Democrats a 3-2 majority on the FCC, which is expected to lead to a number of changes in the agency’s policies.