White House formally renominated FCC Comr. Ness again for new ter...

White House formally renominated FCC Comr. Ness again for new term, throwing her bid to stay on Commission back to Senate Commerce Committee for consideration. Ness was renominated last year, but Committee Chmn. McCain (R-Ariz.) never scheduled confirmation vote, and she currently functions under recess appointment that expires as soon as another commissioner is appointed. If cleared by Committee, Ness’s 5-year term would start from July 1, 1999, expiration of her last one. However, Commerce Committee spokeswoman said panel would concentrate on confirming Bush cabinet members before considering Ness’s situation.