Tom Wheeler will take over as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission after receiving unanimous approval by the Senate today.

Wheeler, a venture capitalist and former head of the National Cable Television Association (NCTA) and Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA), was nominated by President Obama in April.

A vote on his confirmation "was delayed for two weeks by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who expressed concern about Wheeler's views on political disclosure rules," The Hill reported after tonight's vote. "Cruz lifted his objection after Wheeler assured him in a private meeting Tuesday that tougher disclosure requirements for the donors behind political TV ads are 'not a priority' for him."

The top FCC post has been filled by Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn for the past few months, after the departure of previous chairman Julius Genachowski.

As we described in a previous article, Wheeler has received high marks from AT&T and Comcast. Some consumer advocates expressed skepticism given Wheeler's history as a lobbyist for the companies he will be regulating, but the groups say they look forward to working with him.

"We had plenty of questions about the choice of Mr. Wheeler, but what matters is what you do once you're sitting in the big chair," Craig Aaron, CEO of advocacy group Free Press, said in a statement today. "And there is a lot to do: connecting all Americans to the wonders of the open Internet, encouraging meaningful competition, diversifying media ownership, and making sure that this crucial agency has the power to protect people everywhere when predatory or powerful corporations step over the line."

Gigi Sohn, CEO of advocacy group Public Knowledge, said, "We expect that [Wheeler] will work to preserve a strong FCC that will ensure an open, universally accessible, and affordable communications system that serves all Americans. We also expect that he will carry out the President’s communications policy agenda, which includes robust open Internet requirements, vigorous broadband competition, affordable broadband access, diversity of voices, and serious consumer protections, all backed by vigorous agency enforcement."

Sohn also praised Clyburn for her five months of leadership. "From reforming outrageously high prison phone rates, to protecting mobile users' privacy, to ensuring interoperability in the 700MHz band, she has accomplished an enormous amount in very little time," Sohn said.

Wheeler released a statement saying, "What excites me about this new responsibility is how we are at a hinge moment of history; the Internet is the greatest communications revolution in the last 150 years. We must all dedicate ourselves to encouraging its growth, expanding what it enables, and assuring its users’ rights are respected."

The FCC also gained a new member today with the confirmation of Michael O'Rielly, previously a staffer for Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). O'Rielly was chosen by Obama to replace former Commissioner Robert McDowell.