Free Speech
Senators Clash Over Big Tech ‘Jawboning’ and FCC Power
At hearing, both parties said they backed free speech–but differed on its biggest threat
FBA
Broadband Spared as Ernst Urges $2 Trillion Cuts
After calling BEAD a “boondoggle” last year, the Iowa senator omitted the program.
Free Speech
Carr Agrees to Testify Before Senate Panel on His Apparent Threats to Kimmel Show
Democrats and Republicans want answers over FCC threats to TV licenses over Kimmel’s suspension.
Expert Opinion
Nick Leiserson and Michael Klein: Urgent Changes Needed to Update the E-Rate Program
Broadband access funding for schools must consider the cyber threats that accompany Internet connectivity.
Expert Opinion
Gigi Sohn: It’s the Media Consolidation, Stupid
Disney's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel after FCC threats revealed how media consolidation has left just 6 corporations controlling American mass media.
Social Media
Chair of House China Committee Demands Urgent White House Briefing on TikTok Deal
The request by John Moolenaar, Chairman of Select Committee on the Chinese Community Party, comes after Trump signed an executive order supporting the arrangement.
Cybersecurity
Coalition Pushes Congress to Extend Cybersecurity Law
Law’s expiration could leave the U.S. more vulnerable to cyberattacks, group says.
Randy Feenstra
House Lawmakers Introduce Middle Mile Bill for Rural America Act
Lawmakers filed bipartisan legislation Aug. 26 to reauthorize middle-mile broadband program.
USF
TechFreedom Urges Congress to Scrap Universal Service Surcharge
The extra fee appears on consumers’ phone bills to finance rural broadband, low-income, school and library connections.
Congress
House Panel Pushes GOP-Led Broadband Permitting Package
Twenty-nine-bill slate would impose shot clocks and narrow environmental reviews to speed broadband deployment.
Expert Opinion
Jill Crosby, Sabrina Burns: Broadband Rollback Undermines Innovation
Policymakers revisiting the USF must recognize that affordable, reliable Internet access is essential for participation in the startup ecosystem.
AI
Full Slate of Hearings This Week on Broadband, Artificial Intelligence and Energy
Congress tackles broadband, AI and energy in a busy week of hearings. Broadband Breakfast's Resilient Critical Infrastructure Summit is on Thursday.
Expert Opinion
David Nelson: Act Now to Protect American Jobs, Keep Promise of Broadband Grants
Unintended tax law changes now threaten to strip away up to 30% of federal broadband grants, putting rural connectivity at risk.
Commerce
House Appropriations Passes FY26 Budget Impacting NTIA
$47 million allocation for National Telecommunications and Information Administration includes amendment blocking federal rate-setting in broadband deployment.
Supreme Court
Chief Justice Lets Trump Remove Members of Federal Trade Commission For Now
Chief Justice John Roberts let President Trump remove an FTC commissioner, hinting at fewer limits on presidential power.
Defense Department
Joel Thayer: Why the Pentagon Wants Ligado’s Scalp
The dispute over Ligado highlights a clash between the FCC’s spectrum policy decisions and Defense Department’s efforts to block them.
