Tom Wheeler, President Barack Obama’s nominee for chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, this week received the approval of the Senate Commerce Committee. Reuters reported that some Republicans on the committee wanted to hold up the nomination of a new Democrat to head the FCC until the President also named a Republican to fill the remaining vacancy on the five-member commission. Wheeler got the okay by voice vote July 30. It’s expected that the communications industry insider and former lobbyist will be confirmed by the full Senate after Congress returns from its August recess. Congressional staffer Michael O’Rielly is said to be the likely Republican nominee for the FCC. Wheeler would replace former FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. — Reuters