Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing has become entirely clear: people in this country need reliable phone and Internet services.

But for over a year, the FCC – the only federal body dedicated to ensuring that we can stay connected – has been below full capacity and deadlocked, with two Democrat commissioners and two Republican commissioners.

Until a fifth and final commissioner is confirmed, the FCC won’t be able to make progress on the issues we care about – like net neutrality, broadband affordability, and stopping digital discrimination.

President Biden recently nominated Gigi Sohn to serve as the FCC’s fifth commissioner. Sohn is an immensely qualified candidate who has helped promote universal broadband access, defend an open internet, and combat Big Media efforts to consolidate at the expense of consumers.

But right now, right-wing media, telecommunications and cable companies, and Big Money opposition are trying to torpedo her confirmation. They’re spending big and spreading harmful disinformation to keep Sohn off of the Commission – and ensure that the Trump FCC’s legacy of decision-making that puts profits over people remains in place.

That’s why we need to rapidly ramp up the pressure on the Senate and secure enough votes to make Sohn’s confirmation sabotage-proof.