Although cleared by the Senate Commerce Committee on July 22nd, FCC nominee Jonathan Adelstein's confirmation appears stalled until next year. Adelstein has been an aide to Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) since 1995. He has also been a Democratic staffer for 15 years. The Senate adjourns in the middle of this month to campaign for the upcoming elections. Although the Senate plans to reconvene for a lame-duck session after the elections, bills to fund the federal government and the situation with Iraq will most likely consume the government's time.
It has been reported that Trent Lott (R-Miss) has blocked Adelstein’s confirmation in retaliation for the Democrats stalling President Bush’s judicial nominations. Five commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, direct the FCC. Each commissioner serves five-year terms, except when filling an unexpired term. Only three commissioners can be members of the same political party and none can have any interest in FCC related business.
For more information visit www.fcc.gov and http://thomas.loc.gov
