One of the most conservative lawmakers in Congress, South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint, called them "well-qualified." The Chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Sen Jay Rockefeller, called them "devoted public servants." However, not all was smooth for Republican Ajit Pai and Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel. Iowa Republican Senator Charles Grassley says he will stand firm and block the nominations, demanding the FCC first release documents related to LightSquared, a wireless firm. The company, which plans to launch a wholesale wireless broadband service, has come under fire over concerns their network might interfere with GPS systems. Both Rosenworcel and Pai have bipartisan support. Rosenworcel previously served as an aide to Rockefeller's committee, while Pai is a former FCC attorney. Both nominees said they would be against re-adopting the Fairness Doctrine, and both steered clear of issues as to whether the FCC should view the Internet as a "telephone service" and not an "information service." The nominations could come up for a Senate vote before the end of this month, unless their nominations are blocked. The Washington Post has more about Thursday's hearings here.