CHC Chair and CHC Leadership Urge President Biden to Nominate a Latino to the Federal Communications Commission

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Nannette Barragán and CHC leadership released the following statement urging President Biden to nominate a Latino to the vacant seat on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

“Latinos are the fastest-growing minority population in the United States, but are too often excluded from leadership roles that impact the decision-making process in our federal government. The FCC plays a critical role in regulating communications across the country and closing the digital gap that many of our communities experience. As President Biden looks to appoint a new nominee to the FCC, we urge for the full and fair consideration and nomination of a qualified Latino to serve as Commissioner.

In today’s digital era, the Internet is necessary for work, education, and more. Yet, the digital divide continues to affect the Latino community at disproportionately higher rates – with 40 percent of Latino households lacking access to a computer or broadband internet. Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to create cost-saving initiatives like the Affordable Broadband Connectivity Program and help connect households across the country, but it is not enough, and we need an FCC Commissioner that is committed to implementing even greater change. Latinos need a seat at the table.

As it currently stands, no Latino has served on the FCC commission in over two decades. Last month, the Biden Administration released its first-ever report on diversity in the federal workforce. Now, there is a real opportunity to build on this progress and create a workforce more reflective of the rest of the country.”

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