The Federal Communications Commission now has its full complement of five Commissioners: On Friday, July 31, Meredith Attwell Baker joined Chairman Julius Genachowski, Robert McDowell and Michael Copps. On Monday, August 3, Mignon Clyburn came on board.

Baker fills the unexpired term of fellow Republican and former Chairman Kevin J. Martin who resigned in January 2009; her term will expire June 30, 2011. Clyburn fills the unexpired term of Republican Deborah Taylor Tate, whose tenure as a Commissioner came to a close on January 3, 2009 when the Senate failed to confirm her nomination; Clyburn's term will expire June 30, 2012. Baker will join Robert McDowell as a Republican on the Commission. Chairman Julius Genachowski and Michael Copps are Democrats, as is Clyburn. Only three sitting Commissioners may be members of the same political party.

Baker was sworn in on July 31 by Chairman Genachowski in a private ceremony in the Chairman's office. "I am grateful to President Barack Obama for nominating me -- and the United States Senate for confirming me -- to this important position and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working on policies and programs that will help build a 21st century communications infrastructure that can provide sustained economic growth, opportunity and prosperity for the nation, and for all telecommunications users," Baker said. "The FCC staff is well known for their expertise, professionalism and dedication, and I look forward to working together on these important issues. I am excited to be joining Chairman Julius Genachowski, and Commissioners Michael Copps, Robert McDowell, and Mignon Clyburn to ensure that our communications networks and technologies serve the nation's needs and improve the lives of all Americans."

Clyburn was sworn into office at 11 AM on August 3 by Senior District Judge Matthew J. Perry Jr in her home state of South Carolina. "I am deeply honored that President Obama and the United States Senate have entrusted me with the privilege of serving as a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission," she said. "I look forward to working with the Administration, Congress, Chairman Genachowski, my fellow Commissioners and the incredibly talented FCC staff, to ensure that all Americans enjoy the tremendous benefits offered by modern communications. This is an exciting and challenging time in our nation's history. I am eager to hear from and work with all stakeholders to carry out, along with my colleagues, communications policies that protect consumers and encourage robust competition and innovation."

Pointing out Baker's "broad and deep experience" and Clyburn's "years of state-level and private-sector experience," Chairman Genachowski welcomed both women to the FCC. "At this critical moment in history, I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Commissioners on ways that the agency can improve the lives of all Americans through communications."