Senate confirms 2 for FCC

WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday confirmed Julius Genachowski as head of the Federal Communications Commission and Robert McDowell for a second FCC term.

McDowell is currently the only Republican on the five-seat commission, which has been operating with three commissioners. Both nominations were approved on a voice vote.

President Barack Obama also has nominated Mignon Clyburn, daughter of House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., for a Democratic seat; and Meredith Attwell Baker for a Republican seat.

Genachowski is a friend of Obama from Harvard Law School.

Baker most recently served in government as acting assistant secretary of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration from 2007 to January 2009.