FCC nominees probed by Senate panel

Senators on the Commerce Committee pushed a pair of nominees to the Federal Communications Commission to go on the record about some of the most contentious issues in telecom during a nomination hearing on Wednesday.

Democratic nominee Jessica Rosenworcel, a top committee aide, and GOP pick Ajit Pai, a lawyer at Jenner & Block, toed the line between showcasing their expertise and avoiding answers that could box them in on issues they may soon regulate.

But there was no sidestepping this week's conflict between AT&T and the Federal Communications Commission, which released a staff report opposing the proposed merger with T-Mobile over the company's objections. Sen. Roy Blunt , R-Mo., said he was "concerned" about the FCC's decision to release the staff report and asked the nominees to weigh in.

Each nominee answered carefully.

"I believe it's within [the FCC chairman's] statutory authority, but I will acknowledge it's probably unprecedented," Rosenworcel said.

Pai said he would "view the discretion [of the FCC] as one that should be exercised very carefully" but added he wasn't apprised on the issue.

"To the extent [releasing the document] aggravates people in industry and on the Hill, that's something I would take into account," he said.

But the nominees didn't shy away from clear positions divisive topics, generally reflecting the mainstream views of their respective parties.

Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., pressed the nominees to take a position on his legislation, approved by the committee in June, giving more airwaves to public safety agencies so they can build a nationwide communications network.

"It's pretty hard to argue this is a bad idea," Rockefeller said. "It doesn't cost the taxpayer a single dime. I will ask each of you: will you be supportive of the committee's efforts with respect to this legislation?"

He got two yesses.

They both sided with the leaders of the Commerce Committee on the question of whether the government should give more airwaves to public safety agencies. The committee approved Rockefeller's legislation approving this policy earlier this year.

The nominees avoided controversy, with Rockefeller telling them they should "should feel pretty good about your chances."

But an obstacle to clearing the nominees remains.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, reaffirmed Wednesday his commitment to holding up the process unless the FCC releases certain documents about LightSquared, a wireless startup mired in regulatory problems because its service may interfere with GPS devices.

"There's nothing new on whether the FCC will provide the information I requested. The FCC hasn't made any move to provide the information. As a result, my intention to place a hold on the FCC nominees, should they reach the floor, stands," Grassley said in a statement.