STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN
RE: Chairman Wheeler’s Announced Departure
December 15, 2016
Where to begin? The “Bo Jackson of Telecom” as President Obama once said. I seem to 
be stuck in this sports analogy vortex today, so I will keep it going.
Whether you agreed with him or not, Tom Wheeler, my chairman, has made a bold 
impact on this agency and this ecosystem. Maybe we should not really be surprised: his years of 
experience with industry, his ability to make tough decisions, and his willingness to fiercely 
stand up for and protect his client. Fortunately for all of us, since late fall of 2013, the American 
consumer has been the direct beneficiary of his quest for competition, competition, competition
and consumer protection. 
Personally, Tom Wheeler, you have helped to make me a better Commissioner. You have 
both challenged and assisted me to advance key priorities that will continue to make a difference 
in the lives of millions.
Following more than 4 million public comments, under your leadership we adopted open 
Internet rules grounded in the strongest legal framework possible. Those rules were upheld by 
the D.C. Circuit earlier this year. 
Under your leadership, we finally modernized Lifeline, a three-decade old program that is 
on the cusp of more efficiently meeting the needs of those who would most benefit in a 21
st
century America. Low-income Americans have affordable options for high-speed broadband, 
which could mean a new lease on life when it comes to applying for jobs, accessing telehealth 
services, and much more.
I could go on, Mr. Chairman, but let me conclude by saying how incredibly grateful I am 
for your leadership and friendship. Thank you for standing up, speaking out and serving nobly.