CES2026
CES2026: From Innovation to Guardrails, Senators Confront Tech’s Next Phase
Democratic lawmakers cite broadband gaps, data security, and autonomous vehicle safety as concerns that are not being addressed
national security
Senate Passes Pair of Bills to Safeguard Broadband Supply Chains
Measures from Sens. Hickenlooper and Ernst aim to prevent equipment shortages and bolster domestic production
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.
AI
Cruz Unveils SANDBOX Act to Ease Federal AI Rules
Proposal would let developers test AI under federal waivers
Funding
Senate Passes Bill to Protect USF from Weak ISPs
Bill requires ISPs to disclose financial strength to receive funds
BEAD
Lutnick Promises New Funding Notice for BEAD, Funds Released This Year
Declines to comment on rebidding, or on per-location cost caps
Briefs
Senate Commerce Committee Passes NET Act
FCC would need to evaluate impact of network equipment supply chain on broadband access.
Congress
Senators Press Trusty on FCC Independence, Diversity, and Universal Service
Democrats warn of growing White House influence over regulators.
BEAD
NTIA Nominee Roth Mostly Noncommittal on Key BEAD Issues
Roth offered no guarantees that states won’t have to restart BEAD subgrantee selections.
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.
AI
Outlook for AI Regulation Uncertain Under Full Republican Control
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to rescind President Joe Biden’s sweeping AI executive order.
X (Twitter)
Senate Passes Bills Aimed at Protecting Children Online
'Government mandates and censorship will not protect children online,' said Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., one of the 'No' votes.
FCC
AI Transparency Bill, Counties Opposed Permitting Bill, Robocalls Down But Costs Up
The bill would require the federal government to notify the public when agencies use AI.
FCC
Senators Set Up Universal Service Fund Working Group, As Cruz Mounts Criticism of Broadband Program
A new Senate working group is set to consider reforms to the USF.
Biden-Harris Administration
Senate Witnesses Call For AI Transparency
Regulatory AI transparency will increase federal agency and company accountability to the public.
New York Times
Cyber Warfare with Russia, Justice Department on Cyber Bill, Surgeon General on Misinformation
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry claims to have enlisted a private cyber group to disrupt flow of arms from Russia.
