Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, whose tenure has been marred by publicly controversial decisions, is set to step down as FCC Chairman as President-Elect Joe Biden prepares to take office. With congress about to enter recess once more, it's unlikely that a replacement will come anytime soon, and may not occur until the Biden presidency.
Despite his term lasting well into 2021, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has decided to step down, effective January 20.
"It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve at the Federal Communications Commission, including as Chairman of the FCC over the past four years," Pai said. "I am grateful to President Trump for giving me the opportunity to lead the agency in 2017, to President Obama for appointing me as a Commissioner in 2012, and to Senate Majority Leader McConnell and the Senate for twice confirming me. To be the first Asian-American to chair the FCC has been a particular privilege. As I often say: only in America."
Pai's resignation leaves the FCC open for a Democratic flip, as Pai's resignation coincides with the departure of another Republican official, whose re-appointment was shot down by President Donald Trump. The FCC is stacked 3-2 against the democrats, the departure of a commissioner and the chairman, both Republican, leaves two spots open for democrats to seize. Any appointments, however, must be approved by the Senate, the composition of which will remain unknown until Georgia's runoff election.
Pai stands as one of the most controversial members of the Trump administration as a result of the immense deregulation that took place under his tenure. The repeal of Net Neutrality, as well as moves such as attempting to repeal broadband subsidies for tribal lands, have been heavily criticized for being immensely beneficial to telecom giants with little to no public benefit.
"Unfortunately, Chairman Pai has succeeded in many of his efforts to promote the interests of large telecommunications, broadcasting, and cable companies at the expense of smaller competitors and, especially, the public," said Senior Counselor Andrew Schwartzman of the Benton Institute. "We have less competition and higher prices as a result of these policies, some of which may still be overturned in the courts."