Senate panel approves FCC nominee

By John Poirier

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The nomination of Julius Genachowski to become the next chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission took a major step forward after the Senate Commerce Committee voted on Thursday overwhelmingly in favor of the Obama administration's nominee.

The full Senate will next consider the nomination of Genachowski, a law school friend of President Barack Obama and technology industry executive.

The committee approved Genachowski 24-1, with Republican Jim DeMint the lone vote in opposition. The committee also unanimously approved a second FCC term for Commissioner Robert McDowell, a Republican.

Earlier this week, Genachowski told the Senate committee that he would focus on national broadband service and consumer issues, if confirmed for the FCC job. The FCC will help oversee billions of dollars in economic stimulus money that Congress allocated in incentives for states and private companies to expand high-speed Internet in rural and underserved areas.

Genachowski and his pro-consumer remarks were received warmly by the Democratic-led committee, which clashed with former FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, saying his policies were too close to industry.

It was not immediately known when the Senate might vote on the two nominations.

DeMint's office did not immediately have comment on why the South Carolina senator voted against the Genachowski nomination.

Consumer groups praised the quick action by the committee and urged the full Senate to vote quickly.