Democratic senators are warning Federal Communications Committee commissioner Ajit Pai that the agency is on the verge of losing its independence under his watch and that the vote for his renomination hangs in the balance.
Thirteen Democrats on the Senate Commerce Committee signed on to a letter sent to Pai on Friday, complaining about answers he gave before the committee earlier in the week in regards to President Trump’s fight with the media.
Pai was asked by Sens. Tom Udall, D-N.M., and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., whether he agrees with Trump’s assertion that the media are the “enemy of the American people.” He declined to answer the questions directly, saying only that he “didn’t want to wade into the larger political debates” and that “every American enjoys the First Amendment protections guaranteed by the Constitution.”
“Media independence is a hallmark of this great nation — which is why it is troubling to hear various members of the administration openly attack the media,” the senators wrote.
Earlier this week Pai, who was recently elevated to chairman, was renominated by Trump to served another five-year term. The Democrats, led by Commerce Committee Chairman Bill Nelson, D-Fla., warned that Pai’s unwillingness to more directly answer their questions threatens his ability to get their support in a confirmation vote.
“[W]e find your lack of full transparency … to be unfortunate for someone who has been re-nominated to head the commission. Specifically, your refusal to answer straightforward questions about how you view the media and whether you will uphold the First Amendment rights of journalists and media outlets is concerning.”
The Democrats provided Pai six questions that they said would better inform their decisions about his renomination, including, again, whether he believes the media are an “enemy” of the American people. The senators also asked about his ability to regulate in an impartial manner.
A reply to their letter is requested by 5 p.m. on March 17.
