Barton to Support Waltzman for FCC Seat
House Commerce Committee Chmn. Barton (R-Tex.) will endorse Howard Waltzman, his top telecom counsel, for a seat on the FCC, the congressman told us. With one vacancy -- created by Chmn. Powell’s departure -- and another expected soon when Comr. Abernathy leaves, Waltzman could become one of 2 Republican nominees to the FCC. Senate Commerce Committee Chmn. Stevens (R-Alaska) is supporting Christine Kurth, his committee deputy staff dir., for one of the openings. Congressional endorsements are influential, but the White House decides FCC nominations.
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Waltzman is very qualified, Barton told us: “He knows the substance, he knows the process, he knows the industry and he’s totally loyal to the President. Plus, he’s an excellent person.” Waltzman is under “active consideration” for an FCC opening by the White House, Barton said. Industry and Hill sources have said Waltzman is on a White House short list for FCC openings.
Waltzman also has backers in the Senate. Sen. Brownback (R-Kan.), Waltzman’s former employer, has called the White House and is making other calls in his support, a Brownback staffer said. Barton said he hasn’t yet talked with Stevens about Waltzman’s nomination but said he doesn’t expect Stevens to object. The Senate Commerce Committee must approve the President’s nominations before they're sent to the Senate floor for consideration. Waltzman probably will receive significant industry support as well. One source said: “I have worked with Howard for many years and he certainly knows the issues as well as anyone in town. He will be a great advocate for getting the next generation of broadband services out to communities across America.”
With the House Commerce Committee facing an ambitious communications agenda this session, Barton said he hopes to have much of the relevant legislation introduced or passed before any confirmation of Waltzman. “We plan to try to get everything done first,” said Barton, emphasizing that the White House hasn’t made a commitment to nominate Waltzman. Candidates undergo background checks whose extensiveness should give the committee time to get through most of its agenda, Barton said.
Barton said a bill to accelerate DTV transition should be introduced soon, and industry sources have said they expect it before the congressional Memorial Day recess. Also, Barton said Committee staff is making progress on legislation to address Internet Protocol (IP)- enabled services, such as VoIP. Barton said draft language on the IP bill is being shared with committee Democrats. The committee also is expected to address reform of the Universal Service Fund and the E-rate program.
The White House background check already has tripped up one FCC prospect. Former Stevens staffer Earl Comstock had to withdraw from consideration when the White House noted issues with his employment of a nanny. A Senate source said the nanny was cleared to work in the U.S., but only for families of U.N. representatives.
Several industry and Hill sources said they believe Kurth and Waltzman can move through the Senate harmoniously since there will be 2 spots to fill. Industry sources said Kurth, 34, isn’t as well known in industry circles, since she gained most of her telecom experience in working as an Appropriations Committee counsel. Waltzman’s work on recent legislation, sources said, gives him a higher profile. However, the nominations may not progress in tandem, since Abernathy hasn’t vacated her seat.
Abernathy’s term has expired, but rules let her keep her seat until year-end. After Powell resigned, sources have said, Abernathy didn’t want to leave until a Republican replaced the exiting chairman, lest her departure create a Democratic Commission majority. Waltzman’s and Kurth’s nominations also could be stalled in the Senate battle on judicial nominations. Democrats have vowed to slow Senate action if Republicans change filibuster rules to prevent Democrats from blocking controversial nominees.
Waltzman, 36, has been House Commerce Committee telecom counsel since 2001, under both Barton and former Chmn. Billy Tauzin (R-La.). He was promoted to Chief Counsel on Telecom and Internet in 2003. Before his committee assignment, Waltzman worked for Brownback in both houses. He was a communications dir. and legislative assistant for Brownback before being promoted to general counsel. Waltzman also worked for former Rep. Gary Franks (R-Conn.) and was a media affairs coordinator for Empower America. He graduated with honors from Wesleyan U. before earning a masters in public administration from Syracuse U. and a law degree from George Washington U. He and his wife, Lisa, have a newborn daughter, Anne.