Tate, Copps take oath as FCC commissioners

Deborah Taylor Tate takes the oath for her first term as an FCC commissioner. She was appointed to serve out the remaining term of former chairman Michael Powell that ends in 2007.

FCC chairman Kevin Martin swore in Deborah Taylor Tate, the new Republican FCC commissioner, on Jan. 3. Democrat Michael Copps, who took the oath for a second term, joined her.

Though both commissioners got Senate approval in the final hours of the 2005 session, the FCC is still one commissioner short. The vacancy creates a political tie, with two Republicans and two Democrats — a situation that makes it hard for the body to resolve controversial issues.

President Bush has yet to nominate a replacement for Kathleen Abernathy, who resigned last month. It is unknown when that appointment might be made.

Copps was named to a second full term, which ends in 2010. Tate was appointed to serve out the remaining term of former chairman Michael Powell. She will serve until 2007.

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