Wheeler Steps Down as FCC Chair; Trump to Make Two Appointments

FCC Chair Tom Wheeler
(FCC photo)

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler announced his intention in December to resign at the end of President Obama's term in office, allowing President Trump to make two appointments to the 5-member commission, one from each political party, and to designate a new chairman. 

Both parties must be represented on the commission, with the party controlling the White House having a 3-2 edge in membership. Currently, there are two sitting Republican commissioners – Michael O'Rielly and Ajit Pai – and one Democrat, Mignon Clyburn. Democratic commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel's term expired in 2016 and a vote to confirm her for another term was not taken before the Senate adjourned.