Senate Invokes Cloture on FCC Nominee Gomez

The Senate voted 55-43 Thursday to invoke cloture on FCC nominee Anna Gomez, clearing procedural hurdle that puts the commission on the precipice of shifting to a Democratic majority for the first time since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021. The commission has been in a 2-2 partisan tie throughout that period. Lobbyists expect the same or a near-identical result when the Senate votes on confirming Gomez. That vote is set to begin at 1:45 p.m. Eastern.

Gomez drew unanimous backing from the Senate Democratic caucus and only five Republicans, reflecting expectations that the nominee would get only minimal GOP support. The Republicans voting yes were Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mike Rounds of South Dakota and Todd Young of Indiana.