Home   Archived News   Press Releases 2001

Commissioner Furchtgott-Roth Declines to Seek FCC Reappointment

Washington D.C., February 15, 2001 - Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on January 31, 2001, that he is not seeking reappointment to a second term to the FCC. His first term expired June 30, 2000.

However, in order to facilitate a smooth transition, Furchtgott-Roth has agreed to remain until “a mutually agreeable departure date is worked out with the Administration.”

"It has been a great honor to serve for more than three years on the Federal Communications Commission -- more than half a year beyond the expiration of my term,” said Furchtgott-Roth in a statement released January 31. “However, there comes a time when every free market advocate in Government must fulfill his dream by returning to the private sector. For me, that time has arrived.”

Neither Furchtgott-Roth nor the FCC would release the commissioner’s future plans.

In announcing his intent to leave the FCC, Furchtgott-Roth said he has been fortunate enough to serve with a talented and thoughtful group of fellow Commissioners and looks forward to continued friendship. “In this regard, Chairman [Michael] Powell will be a great Chairman,” he said, “and I will do all I can to assist him in guiding the agency towards a more faithful interpretation of the law.”

Furchtgott-Roth also noted the contributions of his personal staff and the FCC’s professional staff for his success with the FCC. "As I have often said, the American taxpayer is our ultimate employer,” he said. “We should be judged by our service to them. The FCC staff -- from the Bureau Chiefs to the Engineers, from the Mailroom to the Security Team, from the lawyers to the economists -- has consistently impressed me with their friendliness to the public and willingness to help. We are lucky to have them.”

Furchtgott-Roth also expressed his thanks to the many people outside the FCC that he said were “instrumental” to his service, including Congressman Tom Bliley, the former Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, and [Senate] Majority Leader Trent Lott.

(Courtesy of the Federal Communications Commission)

Privacy Policy