The FCC has been operating for over the past two years, lacking a fifth commissioner. The last nomination for the seat, Gigi Sohn, ended as a failure with Sohn ultimately stepping down. Today began the testimony for Anna Gomez who was nominated by President Biden on May 22. If confirmed she will be the first Latina on the commission in nearly 20 years.

Here is what we know about Ms. Gomez as outlined in the White House press release:

Anna M. Gomez is a telecommunications attorney with extensive experience in domestic and international communications law and policy. Gomez serves as a Senior Advisor for International Information and Communications Policy in the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. Gomez served as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Deputy Administrator from 2009 to 2013. She also served for 12 years in various positions at the Federal Communications Commission, including as Deputy Chief of the International Bureau and as Senior Legal Advisor to then-Chairman William E. Kennard. Gomez also served briefly as Counsel on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Communication and as Deputy Chief of Staff of the National Economic Council during the Clinton Administration. Prior to joining the State Department in 2023, Gomez was a partner in Wiley LLP’s telecommunications media and technology group. Gomez also was Vice president for Federal and State Government Affairs at Sprint Nextel and an Associate at Arnold and Porter.

Born in Orlando, Florida, Gomez spent her childhood in Bogota, Colombia before her family relocated to New Jersey. She now resides in Virginia. Gomez earned her B.A. in Pre-Law from Pennsylvania State University and her J.D. from George Washington University Law School.

The testimony seemed to move in a positive direction today. Senators from around the country asked the nominees, Gomez,  and Damelin who may be appointed as the Inspector General to the FCC, and also current commissioners Carr and Starks who are looking to be reappointed to the commission if they will be in support of or opposing their current initiates. The initiatives ranged from rural broad broadband, rates, and net neutrality. Of course, Senator Cruz was there to shake things up a bit but closed on a positive note from Senator Lujan in support of Gomez.

Senators will have until the close of business on June 27th to submit questions to the committee and witnesses will have until the close of business on July 5th to respond.

We will keep you posted as things progress with the nomination of Ms. Gomez.