The Federal Communications Commission’s current status raises urgent questions for anyone searching “How many commissioners are on the FCC now?” or “What happens if the FCC lacks quorum?” As of June 2025, the FCC is operating with only two commissioners, falling short of the three-member quorum required to approve major decisions. This unusual situation leaves critical broadband regulations, telecom merger approvals, and spectrum auctions hanging in the balance, impacting millions of Americans relying on these communications policies.
Two recent departures—Republican Nathan Simington and Democrat Geoffrey Starks—have shrunk the once five-member commission to just Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Anna Gomez. This deadlock halts progress on several high-stakes agendas, including those backed by Carr, who represents the Trump-aligned faction within the agency. Without a quorum, the FCC’s ability to vote on new regulations or enforce telecom laws stalls, casting uncertainty over broadband subsidies and network infrastructure developments essential for expanding high-speed internet access nationwide.
While President Joe Biden’s administration nominated Olivia Trusty, a Republican Senate staffer, to fill the vacant seat, Senate confirmation remains pending. Until then, Carr has been leveraging delegated authority, allowing the FCC’s bureaus to continue certain functions without full commission votes. However, this stopgap measure limits the scope of actionable policy decisions, particularly on contentious matters requiring partisan alignment.
This staffing shortage at the FCC echoes similar turmoil in other regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Trade Commission, where political firings earlier in the year reduced commissioner numbers below quorum as well. The ongoing vacancies and political impasses highlight the complex interplay between governance, regulatory authority, and partisan politics in shaping America’s telecommunications future.
For industries relying on FCC rulings—from broadband providers to tech companies—this period of uncertainty could delay vital infrastructure investments and slow down initiatives that drive digital equity. Stakeholders and consumers alike are watching closely to see how the FCC will navigate this deadlock and what measures Congress or the White House might take to restore the commission’s full functionality.
If you want to stay updated on how this evolving FCC crisis will affect broadband expansion, telecom mergers, and internet policy nationwide, keeping an eye on commissioner appointments and Senate confirmations is crucial. The future of U.S. communications policy depends heavily on whether this commission can regain quorum and resume its full regulatory role.
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