Nomination of John Chase Johnson

Floor Speech

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Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, the FCC is one of the most important independent agencies that we are counting on for the future of the information age. When you think about the fact that they regulate interstate commerce, radio, television, wire, and satellite in all 50 States, it is imperative--imperative--that we have someone as the IG who understands these policies.

I believe the next era of telecom is going to usher in 5G. I do think we are going to solve our rural IT problems. I do think we are going to connect schools. But if we have an IG who does not understand communication policy, has no experience in communication policy, has never had a role in that, I say we won't accomplish the mission of oversight or the mission, ultimately, at the FCC.

It is clear we don't all agree. It is clear we don't all agree. You got a nominee last week; I didn't spend all my time talking about why we opposed them. There was no debate.

But when it comes to an IG, we have to get on the same page. We need an IG we can believe in. So I ask my colleagues to turn down this nomination and get us someone who has a depth of experience we all can believe in.

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