Third Way
Bill Introduced to Expand Enrollment of Lifeline Program
State grants would support program outreach and enrollment.
Data Center
Senate Bill to Offset Data Centers' Impact on Energy Costs Introduced
The bill would require data centers to pay for local transmission upgrades and offset their grid impact through new power resources.
Commerce
New Senate Bill Would Halt Federal Funding for Trump’s AI Executive Order
Legislation filed as an amendment to the upcoming Senate appropriations package.
EPA
Record Shutdown Leaves Communications Agencies Strained Despite Senate Action
The shutdown slowed down broadband rollout, telecom licensing, merger activity.
Energy
Cruz Alleges Alliance Between China, U.S. Climate Groups Undermines American Energy
Senators clash over China’s ties with U.S. energy groups.
Antitrust
Senate Bill Attacks Apple, Google App Store Dominance
Bill continues struggle with Big Tech that began in 2021.
Digital Inclusion
Illinois Democrats Urge Lutnick to Reinstate the Digital Equity Act Funds
Backlash continues following termination of $2.75 billion program.
Commerce
Illinois Moves Forward on BEAD as Federal Overhaul Looms
Ports commission urges Congress not to stall broadband rollout, as state launches second funding round
Justice Department
Klobuchar Leads Effort to Ban Algorithmic Price Fixing
Bill attacks algorithms designed to raise prices and limit competition
Privacy
Congress Considers Regulating Data Brokers Amid Broader Push for Privacy Legislation
The $200 billion industry specifically targets children and other vulnerable populations, experts said.
Social Media
Bipartisan Alarm Over Social Media’s Harms to Children Prompts Slew of Proposed Legislation
Bills ranged from addressing intermediary liability to limiting personal data collection.
Antitrust
Coalition Voices Dissent on Antitrust Bills, NYC Communities to Receive Free Broadband, Tesla Stock Takes Hit in Twitter Wake
Letter claims antitrust bills would cost the economy $319 billion.
Expert Opinion
Jason Boyce: Washington Cannot Let Amazon Water Down Consumer Protection Legislation
It is in Amazon’s interest to twist the arm of lawmakers and prevent protections against internet scams.
Section 230
Senate Judiciary Committee Teases, and Then Pulls, Bills Dramatically Narrowing Section 230 Protections
January 2, 2021 — When the Senate reconvenes on Sunday at 11:45 a.m., the body will gavel in for the first session of the 117th Congress. All bills not passed as of Friday, January 1, 2021 – the last day Congress was in session – will die. One of those bills is the Eliminating Abusive […]
Bill Cassidy
Coronavirus Roundup: Senators Tackle Children’s Online Privacy, Facebook Removes Conspiracy Theories, Broadband in Rural New Hampshire
May 11, 2020 — A bipartisan group of senators on Friday urged the Federal Trade Commission to launch an investigation into children’s data practices in the educational technology and digital advertising sectors. Sens. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Bill C
Senate Judiciary
Sen. Josh Hawley Excoriates Absent Apple and TikTok Executives at Another Hearing Bashing Big Tech
WASHINGTON, March 8, 2020 — “The American public deserves to know” about ethically questionable business practices conducted by Apple and TikTok, asserted Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, at a Wednesday Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on big tech and China. Apple and TikTok representatives were n
