The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) faces a significant setback. The resignations of Republican Commissioner Nathan Simington and Democratic Commissioner Geoffrey Starks leave the agency with only two members, effectively suspending its ability to create new rules or regulations. Starks, whose departure was announced in March, leaves on June 6th. Simington’s resignation, announced unexpectedly on Tuesday, also takes effect June 6th. “I will be concluding my tenure at the Federal Communications Commission at the end of this week,” Simington stated. “It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve the American people as a Commissioner.”
Simington, a Trump appointee, and Starks’ departures leave FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Anna Gomez. This is below the three-member quorum needed for votes or new rulemaking. Carr, known for his deregulatory stance, had anticipated a 2-1 Republican majority with Starks’ departure and the confirmation of Olivia Trusty, another Trump nominee. However, Simington’s resignation alters this, delaying Republican plans to advance deregulatory proposals.
The lack of a quorum prevents the FCC from finalizing actions like Carr’s proposed changes to over 70 cable rate regulations, accessibility rules, and broadband provider reporting. Despite this, Carr plans to proceed with the June 26th open meeting. Republican lawmakers aim to speed up Trusty’s confirmation, while Democrats advocate for a balanced Republican and Democratic nominee pairing. The FCC's future direction on net neutrality, broadband access, and media ownership hinges on these upcoming nominations and the restored quorum.