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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) issued the following introductory statement today at the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee nomination hearing of Ajit Pai to become a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission:

“This is a real honor for me to introduce and to support Ajit Pai. Senator Roberts and I consider him a friend and a fellow Kansan. He is the son of immigrants, and his parents are here. Ajit is a humble and hard worker – just what you would expect from a Kansan. He is the type of person you would like to have as your neighbor. He is only the second Kansan ever to be nominated to serve on the Federal Communications Commission, and the first since Bob Wells served on the Commission from 1969 to 1971.

“The issues before the FCC today are critically important to America’s economic and global competitiveness. In my 14 years in the House and now 11 months as a U.S. Senator, I’m not sure if there has ever been a time in which I have made more effort to determine what the FCC is doing and what it means to Kansans, rural America and to our country.

“These issues range from how we manage and promote more efficient use of our spectrum resources, to crafting policies that will expand broadband access to more Americans and connect more schools, more libraries and more hospitals. The FCC’s decisions will help define how we encourage competition, promote innovation, create jobs and drive our economy into the future.

“In order to succeed, the Commission requires smart, talented policy leaders – leaders who respect free markets and understand that regulations should be balanced with pro-growth economic principles. Ajit Pai is one of those leaders.

“The FCC also needs commissioners who are committed to the needs of all Americans, including those who live in rural America, so its innovators can compete in the marketplace along with those in urban areas. A native of Parsons, Kansas, Ajit will bring an understanding of the challenges facing our part of the country at this vital time for the future of telecommunications.

“His broad range of policy and legal experience at the FCC, in the U.S. Senate on the Senate Judiciary Committee, at the Department of Justice, and in the private sector will be a tremendous asset as he seeks to balance the regulatory role of the FCC with the need to encourage competition and free market principles.

“Ajit Pai is a public servant of the highest caliber, and a man with the highest level of integrity and character. Senator Roberts and I are proud to recommend his swift and unanimous confirmation as a Commissioner to the FCC by the full Senate.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

 

Click here to view a photo of Sen. Moran and Ajit Pai at the nomination hearing.

Click here to view Sen. Moran’s remarks at the nomination hearing.

Click here to access the audio of Sen. Moran’s remarks at the nomination hearing.

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