Closely divided Senate approves Simington nomination, ensuring 2-2 partisan split at FCC

The Senate on a 49-46 vote approved the nomination of Republican Nathan Simington to the Federal Communications Commission, ensuring an even partisan split at the start of the Biden administration on an FCC with a potentially robust cybersecurity agenda.

The vote Tuesday ensures the FCC has a second Republican member, along with GOP Commissioner Brendan Carr, after the impending departures of Chairman Ajit Pai and Commissioner Michael O’Rielly. Simington was approved for a five-year term starting from July 1, 2019....