President Obama nominated Michael P. O’Rielly of New York to serve as a commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission, replacing Robert McDowell who stepped down earlier this year. If confirmed by the Senate, O’Rielly would serve for the remainder of the term expiring June 30, 2014, previously held by McDowell.
O’Rielly is a congressional staffer for Senator John Cornyn, a Republican for Texas.
The U.S. Senate has not yet voted on the confirmation of Tom Wheeler for Chairman of the FCC. Wheeler is a Democrat.
Verizon issued the following statement: “Verizon congratulates Mike O’Rielly on his nomination to serve as commissioner at the FCC. His experience and public service are tremendous assets that will prove invaluable as the commission addresses pressing needs, including the availability of spectrum, the transition to IP-based services and the need to modernize the country’s outdated policy framework for communications technology.
