Congressional Hispanic Caucus Members Urge President Biden to Nominate a Latino to the FCC

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) members sent a letter urging President Biden to nominate a qualified Latino to serve as Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In the letter, members emphasized that for over two decades there has not been a Latino FCC Commissioner.

“The FCC regulates communications that touch virtually every person in this country in some form, which is why we need to make sure there is Latino representation,” said CHC Chair Nanette Barragán. “The digital divide and digital gap persist in our communities and our perspective needs to be a part of the decision-making at the FCC, so we are asking President Biden to nominate a qualified Latino to serve as Commissioner.”

“Latinos face significant barriers in access to broadband and other communication technology – in 2021, 40 percent of Latino households did not have access to a computer or to broadband,” read the letter signed by 32 CHC members. “The FCC’s jurisdiction over issues like broadband ensure it will play a crucial role in addressing the technology gaps that disproportionately impact low-income and Latino communities. The FCC could do much to improve communications during national disasters and ensure that Spanish-speaking communities are not left behind.”

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