WASHINGTON – This morning, Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, welcomed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Ajit Pai to Omaha. Fischer and Pai held a press conference at the University of Nebraska at Omaha following a roundtable discussion on rural telecommunications. They discussed the need to make Internet access and broadband deployment a national priority, as well as ways in which the federal government can modernize its rules to unleash high-tech innovation across America. Senator Fischer released the following statement this afternoon regarding Commissioner Pai’s visit:

“I was proud to welcome Commissioner Pai to Omaha today and showcase the impressive work we are accomplishing in Nebraska. We discussed many important issues, including telecommunications policies affecting our broadcasters and the challenges connecting broadband to our cities and our communities across the state. We heard from businesses across Nebraska who want to deploy more broadband but are held back due to regulatory uncertainty. We heard from broadcasters who provide important information across our state regarding the challenges they continue to face. I commend Commissioner Pai for laying out a concrete plan of action, and look forward to working with him and his colleagues as we look to foster sound policies for the American people.”

Commissioner Pai released the following statement regarding the visit:

"Senator Fischer has been a strong and eloquent voice on the importance of broadband, especially in rural areas. That's why I was so eager to accept her invitation to visit Nebraska. We've had a chance to meet with companies that are bringing high-speed Internet access to all of Nebraska, from Omaha to counties with less than one person per square mile. My hope is that with the Senator's leadership and the bipartisan support of many in Washington, Nebraska, and beyond, we can give rural Americans all the opportunities made possible by the broadband revolution."

Commissioner Pai was invited to Omaha by Senator Fischer as a part of her ongoing efforts to foster sound policies and encourage innovation. Pai, a Republican, was nominated by President Obama for this position in 2012 at the recommendation of then-Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. He was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate on May 7, 2012, for a term that concludes on June 30, 2016.

Click here to read the joint op-ed by Senator Fischer and Commissioner Pai in today’s Omaha World-Herald.

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