President Trump has designated Ajit Pai, a Federal Communications Commissioner since 2012, to be the agency’s new Chairman. Pai confirmed the designation on January 23, stating “I am deeply grateful to the President of the United States for designating me the 34th Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. I look forward to working with the new Administration, my colleagues at the Commission, members of Congress, and the American public to bring the benefits of the digital age to all Americans.”
Because Pai was already a Commissioner, Senate confirmation is not required for him to be Chairman. His term officially expired in June 2016, so he must be reconfirmed by the end of next year’s second session of the 115th Congress in order to remain a Commissioner.
