President Donald Trump has tapped Ajit Pai to be the new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
Pai, the senior Republican on the Commission, was nominated by President Obama and confirmed in 2012. He takes over for current Chairman Tom Wheeler.
“I am deeply grateful to the President of the United States for designating me the 34th Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission,” Pai wrote in a statement on the FCC website. “I look forward to working with the new Administration, my colleagues at the Commission, members of Congress, and the American public to bring the benefits of the digital age to all Americans.”
“It is impossible to predict exactly where Chairman Pai will go with specific future policies such as network neutrality, particular mergers, and the aftermath of the disappointing and flawed broadcaster spectrum auction,” reports Forbes. “But it is easy to describe broad themes of a Chairman Pai: follow the law, less regulation, and a folksy approach to government.”
“His thoughtful approach, deep knowledge base, and sense of humor have been great assets to the Commission, and it makes sense that President Trump hand-picked him to carry out the new Administration’s broad vision for the agency,” wrote Commissioner Michael O’Reilly. “I know the Commission will thrive under his leadership, and I look forward to working with him and his team to tackle the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that will present themselves.”