President Joe Biden on Tuesday is expected to name Jessica Rosenworcel as chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission, Alan Davidson as head of the telecom arm of the Commerce Department, and Gigi Sohn as a commissioner at the FCC, according to a person familiar with the process.
Why it matters: Internet availability and affordability has been a key policy priority for the White House, but the administration lagged in tapping people for the agency posts that oversee the issues.
Driving the news: Davidson, who opened Google's policy shop in D.C. in 2005, was most recently with Mozilla.
- As head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Davidson will have a key role in overseeing how states spend the $42.5 billion the Senate-approved infrastructure package would put toward broadband projects.
- Rosenworcel, who would be the first permanent female head of the agency, has been leading the FCC on an interim basis since Biden took office. She's implemented pandemic-relief broadband programs including a $50 monthly discount off internet service for low-income households.
- Sohn was an FCC adviser during the Obama administration and was pivotal in the development of the agency's net neutrality rules. Sohn, who is believed to be the first open member of the LGBTQ+ community to be a commissioner, is currently a distinguished fellow with the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law and Policy.
Between the lines: Rosenworcel has lined up support from senators, labor unions and teachers. Sohn is viewed as the progressives' pick for the agency.
What's next: All three posts require Senate confirmation.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information about Rosenworcel and Sohn.
