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Hi,
Comcast, Fox News, and other conservative media outlets have launched an unprecedented smear effort against Gigi Sohn, Biden’s tiebreaking appointee to the Federal Communications Commission.1
It has worked like a charm.
More than a year after Biden put forward her name, Sohn has yet to be confirmed in the Senate — leaving the FCC deadlocked 2-2 and unable to restore net neutrality, just the way Comcast likes it.
Now, with the Senate leaving town for good this year in a matter of days, time is running out for Congress to confirm Sohn and save a free and open net once and for all. That’s why we’re demanding that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats vote to confirm Biden’s nominee to the FCC right now.
Under Trump, the net neutrality rules we fought so hard for during the Obama administration were gone within a year, thanks to former Verizon lawyer and FCC chair Ajit Pai.2
A Biden-appointed FCC should have been able to reverse Pai’s actions just as quickly. But Big Cable and the right-wing news media have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at Sohn to derail her nomination.
Fox News and The Wall Street Journal editorial board have repeatedly distorted and attacked her record.3 Fake grassroots groups are pouring money into false ads, claiming she doesn’t support rural broadband access or diversity.4 Sohn, who would be the first openly gay FCC commissioner, has also faced attacks on her sexual orientation.5 Sadly, these despicable tactics seem to be working — even on some Democrats.6
Demand Progress Action has been mounting pressure on Senate Democrats for months, demanding they act to confirm Sohn so net neutrality can be restored once and for all. But with lawmakers set to adjourn any day, time is quickly running out.
With gratitude for all you do,
Tihi and the team at Demand Progress Action
Sources:
1. The Washington Post, "Biden’s internet promises in limbo amid long battle over FCC nominee," October 14, 2022.
2. Slate, "Goodbye, Ajit Pai," January 20, 2021.
3. Fast Company, "When will Democrats deliver on their promise to restore net neutrality?"
May 16, 2022.
4. Common Dreams, "'Infuriating': Telecom Lobbyists Spending Big Money to Keep Gigi Sohn Off FCC,"
April 28, 2022.
5. The Washington Post, "Biden’s internet promises in limbo amid long battle over FCC nominee," October 14, 2022.
6. S&P Global, "Confirmation vote on FCC nominee Gigi Sohn unlikely this year, senators say," December 1, 2022.
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