Following the Thursday morning announcement that FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler intends to leave the FCC on January 20, 2017, the day Donald Trump is sworn in as President, the two Commissioners that disagreed with him the most fired off statements…
Commissioner Michael O’Rielly thanked the Chairman for his public service. “I truly thank Chairman Wheeler for his public service to our country. While we may not have always agreed on the substance or procedures of Commission work, Tom is passionate about his views and committed to solving communications problems, including our work together on Rate of Return reform. More importantly, I enjoyed the chance to get to know him on a personal level and chat on non-work matters, especially about our families. I wish Tom great success in any future endeavors he pursues.”
Commissioner Ajit Pai added that, like his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, Chairman Wheeler
brought passion and tenacity to the playing field each and every day. “Despite our differences in many areas of communications policy, I commend him for his years of public service. It has been a privilege to serve alongside him, and I wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Wheeler has been the FCC Chairman for three years. Here was his statement: “Serving as F.C.C. Chairman during this period of historic technological change has been the greatest honor of my professional life. I am deeply grateful to the President for giving me this opportunity. I am especially thankful to the talented Commission staff for their service and sacrifice during my tenure. Their achievements have contributed to a thriving communications sector, where robust investment and world-leading innovation continue to drive our economy and meaningful improvements in the lives of the American people. It has been a privilege to work with my fellow Commissioners to help protect consumers, strengthen public safety and cybersecurity, and ensure fast, fair, and open networks for all Americans.”
