Senate Commerce Committee favorably reports Ariel Roth to lead NTIA after 15-13 vote

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation voted to favorably report the nomination of Ariel Roth to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, the position that leads the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The committee recorded a 15‑yes, 13‑no roll call and ordered the nomination to be reported to the full Senate.

The committee’s chairman, Senator Ted Cruz, opened the markup by praising Roth’s telecommunications experience and noted a personal announcement: "Ariel is an exceptional candidate for this position, and if I may say so, an exceptional person." Cruz also told the panel that Roth had given birth the night before the vote.

Why it matters: NTIA directs federal communications policy and represents U.S. positions at international spectrum negotiations. The committee’s decision advances a candidate who has served on congressional staffs and as an FCC adviser, at a time when lawmakers are pressing for clearer spectrum policy, faster BEAD program delivery and stronger coordination between national‑security and commercial spectrum uses.

Ranking member Maria Cantwell said she could not support the nomination, citing what she described as an absence of explicit commitments during Roth’s confirmation hearing. Cantwell said she had not heard a pledge to keep previously made BEAD program commitments to states, tribes and territories and asked whether Roth would wait for the results of ongoing evidence‑based spectrum studies before reallocating contested bands. Cantwell summarized her position: "At this point in time, I cannot support Miss Roth's nomination to be the director of NTIA." (Quote from Ranking Member Maria Cantwell.)

Senator Roger Wicker moved that PN2225, the nomination of Ariel Roth, be favorably reported. The motion carried after a roll call that produced 15 yeses and 13 nos; the clerk recorded the motion as agreed to and the nomination ordered favorably reported.

What was said on key issues: Cantwell pressed Roth on the BEAD program — the $42 billion federal program created to expand broadband access — and on whether Roth would honor agreements NTIA has already made with states and tribes. Cantwell also asked about spectrum decision‑making and whether Roth would wait for the results of interagency, evidence‑based studies before approving reallocations that some senators warned could affect aviation safety, weather forecasting and other federal systems.

The committee record shows there was substantive disagreement along party lines about spectrum timing and NTIA’s approach to federal grants. The transcript does not show further committee direction or additional votes on amendments.

Votes at a glance: The committee’s roll call recorded 15 yes votes and 13 no votes; the motion passed and the nomination was favorably reported to the Senate.

Next steps: The nomination will be considered by the full Senate; the transcript does not state when floor consideration is scheduled.

Ending details: The committee concluded the markup and proceeded to a separate confirmation hearing later in the day for different nominees.