Senator Predicts FCC Chairman Carr Will Face Monthly Questioning

Senate Democrats opposed President Trump’s nominee, Danielle Thumann Severs, for an open FCC seat, arguing Republicans should not install a commissioner before Democrats take control of Congress in January 2027. If confirmed, the senior counsel to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr would give Republicans a 3-1 advantage on the commission. At her hearing, Democrats questioned her about Carr’s actions toward broadcasters, including the ABC dispute involving Jimmy Kimmel, and his consideration of changes to the E-Rate school and library internet program; she said she had not advised him on media issues and did not take a clear position on whether the FCC could eliminate E-Rate without Congress. Democrats also said they plan to intensify oversight of Carr, with Sen. Ben Ray Luján predicting he could face congressional questioning at least monthly and warning that lawmakers may use subpoenas.