Rural
House Hearing to Explore Rural Broadband Deployment
The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5
Chips
House Commerce Republicans Reject Efforts to Expand Broadband Affordability
Democrats also sought to scrutinize FCC's recent investigations of broadcast television networks.
Congress
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Defund NPR
Would remove all federal funding for the media organization
Energy
Senate to Weigh Opposing Resolutions Targeting Trump and Biden Energy Policies
One seeks to overturn Trump's emergency energy declaration, the other targets Biden's methane gas fee.
Congress
Senate Amendment Would Curb Costly FCC Regulations
Effort believed to be a preliminary step toward passage of the REINS Act.
BEAD
Senate Bill Would Shield BEAD Grants from Federal Taxation
Would exclude broadband deployment grants from corporate taxable income
Big Tech
NAB CEO: Broadcasters Burdened by Outdated Regulations
FCC policies give Big Tech an unfair advantage.
Commerce
Senate Confirms Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary
Lutnick, confirmed 51-45, has emphasized commercial growth in broadband, spectrum, and artificial intelligence.
Congress
Sen. Lee Proposes Bill to Defund NPR and PBS
American tax dollars should not support partisan media, he says.
Digital Inclusion
Prison Phone Providers Renew Legal Fight Against FCC Rate Caps
The First Circuit will review arguments on whether the FCC’s rate caps should remain in place.
BEAD
Lawmakers Renew Bill to Address Permitting Delays on Federal Lands
The bill comes as state officials push for reforms to environmental and historic preservation permitting rules under BEAD.
Public Safety
Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Protect Teenagers from Online Image Abuse
Introduced by Klobuchar and Cruz, bill would criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery.
IIJA
Senators Revive Bill to Prevent BEAD Supply Chain Bottlenecks
The NET Act would address supply chain delays ahead of the government dolling out $42.5 billion for broadband.
Rural
Senate Confirms Brooke Rollins to Lead USDA
Was approved in a 72-28 vote Thursday; approach to rural broadband issues was not prominently discussed in hearings.
Congress
Cruz to Hold Commerce Hearing on FCC Auction Authority
Panel Chairman to review spectrum auctions within international context
AI
Experts: Greater Energy Production Needed to Support AI
Subcommittee hearing discussed future energy needs for AI infrastructure.
