News
A nomination hearing for Arielle Roth to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has been set for March 27.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Arielle Roth’s nomination to lead the NTIA will take center stage next week in Washington.
Broadband watchers have been anxiously watching to see when Roth would be confirmed after she was first nominated in February.
Previously, Roth served as director of telecommunications policy for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
That committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), will be the same committee that convenes Roth’s nomination hearing on Thursday, March 27.
Earlier this week, the former chief of staff for FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington was appointed to serve as acting administrator of the NTIA.
If Roth is confirmed, however, she would assume the title of Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.
Roth would advance mission of government efficiency
Following her nomination to lead the NTIA, Cruz released a statement supporting her nomination.
“Arielle led my legislative and oversight efforts on communications and broadband policy with integrity, creativity, and dedication,” Cruz stated at the time. “She has fought to defend the taxpayer, free speech, and kids online.”
Cruz also said Roth would work well with President Donald Trump and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick “in their mission to advance government efficiency, economic growth, and innovation.”
Previously, Alan Davidson served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information as the NTIA issued approvals for all 56 states and territories eligible to submit initial proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
According to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s website, Roth’s nomination hearing will get underway at 2:15 p.m. next Thursday.
The news of Roth’s impending nomination hearing comes shortly after Evan Feinman served his last day as director of the BEAD Program, on March 14.
Feinman has since spoken out following his departure from the NTIA, suggesting that he was pressured by Lutnick to increase the role of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite coverage in the BEAD Program above other considerations.
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