CDT Joins Civil Rights Groups in Support of Swift Confirmation of Gigi Sohn to FCC
From the letter:
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On behalf of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 230 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States, and the undersigned organizations, we write to convey our strong support for the nomination of Gigi B. Sohn to serve as commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). At a time when access to reliable, diverse news and information, as well as affordable broadband and communications, is paramount, a fully staffed FCC is a top priority for the nation and for the constituencies we represent. Ms. Sohn is an exemplary, history-making nominee for this position and should be swiftly confirmed.
Too many people in the United States still lack access to communications services that make equal opportunity and democratic participation possible. The FCC needs all five commissioners to produce digital discrimination rules, ensure the accuracy of broadband maps, and more. Ms. Sohn’s confirmation will alleviate the gridlock that has recently prevented the FCC from carrying out a robust pro-civil rights agenda. Thus, her nomination is of particular importance to our civil and human rights coalition and to the communities we represent.
More than a year has passed since Ms. Sohn’s original nomination, and it has been more than two years since the FCC had five sitting commissioners. President Biden nominated Ms. Sohn on October 26, 2021 and renominated her on January 3, 2023. Recent reports indicate that the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation intends to move her nomination soon, and we are in full support of this effort.
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Despite the strong evidence supporting her qualifications for this position, Ms. Sohn, who would be the first openly LGBTQ commissioner in history, has faced a coordinated string of dangerous, homophobic attacks. Ms. Sohn is highly qualified for the role of FCC commissioner, possesses deep knowledge of the challenges faced by disadvantaged populations, and has a demonstrated longstanding commitment to collaboration with civil rights stakeholders. She is the right person for the job, and her confirmation should not be delayed any longer.
For these reasons, we urge the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to ensure that Gigi Sohn’s nomination is considered by the committee as soon as possible and reported favorably to the full Senate.