Senate Schedules Hearing for Trump FCC Nominee

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz has scheduled a Nov. 10 hearing on President Donald Trump’s nominee Danielle Thumann Severs, an aide to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, as Republicans seek to advance her confirmation before Democrats take control of the Senate in January 2027. If confirmed, Severs would give Republicans a 3–1 majority on the Federal Communications Commission, which is currently considering the fate of Disney’s ABC stations. Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden argues that federal law requires bipartisan representation and has warned that an all-Republican commission could face legal challenges that undermine its decisions. Commissioner Anna Gomez, the FCC’s sole Democrat, can remain in her seat under a holdover provision, but could leave if Trump does not renominate her or if he removes her. House Commerce Democrats have urged Senate Republicans to pair any new Republican nominee with a qualified Democratic nominee.