Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler apparently used up all his fight in the battle to establish net neutrality. Because now that it's time to defend it from Republican rule, he's quitting as of January 20.
"Serving as FCC Chairman during this period of historic technological change has been the greatest honor of my professional life," Wheeler said in a statement announcing his departure. "It has been a privilege to work with my fellow commissioners to help protect consumers, strengthen public safety and cybersecurity, and ensure fast, fair and open networks for all Americans.”
His departure means the FCC will start the Trump administration with a 2-1 Republican majority, allowing the GOP to immediately begin dismantling Obama-era regulations.
While it is customary for FCC chairmen to resign at the start of a new administration, Wheeler had for months refused to publicly commit to stepping down when Obama leaves office, angering Republican lawmakers who held up the confirmation of his fellow FCC Democrat, Jessica Rosenworcel. The Senate did not approve Rosenworcel for a new term before it left town for recess last week, and she will have to leave the commission by Jan. 3.
He could have stayed on, not as chairman because Trump will pick his own, but as a commissioner. That's a powerful ally gone, but it's not going to stop us from defending what we've fought so hard to obtain—an open internet.