Public Safety
FCC Commissioner Trusty Highlights National Security and Rural Broadband
Olivia Trusty, one of two Republican FCC Commissioners, returned from a visit to Nebraska hosted by Sen. Deb Fischer (R)
House Energy and Commerce
Democrat Pallone Takes on Big Retail over Concerns about ‘Surveillance Pricing’
Pallone's letter demands answers from major retailers regarding personalized pricing strategies.
House Energy and Commerce
Lawmaker Calls for Approved Energy Projects To Move Forward
Approved energy projects are getting tied up in litigation as power demand surges, the Florida Democrat warned.
House Energy and Commerce
Guthrie Pushes Summer Timeline for Bipartisan Permitting Reform
Guthrie criticized proposals to pause or limit data center development over power concerns.
House Energy and Commerce
Energy Officials Pressured to Expand Grid as AI Demand Surges
The department is exploring using federal land and agency sites to speed data center buildout.
BEAD 2026
Rep. Greg Landsman to Speak at BEAD Implementation Summit
Keynotes join panels: State broadband roundtable, technology choices in BEAD, using remaining BEAD funds, and capital constraints on financing
Expert Opinion
Charles Frohman: RFK’s Wireless Danger Study Puts GOP on Notice
HHS will study wireless harm, while the FCC denies informed consent on antennas forced outside bedrooms and classrooms, the author says
AI
Panel Weighs New Guardrails for AI Chatbots as Concerns Mount Over Child Safety
Experts debated AI chatbot risks to children, with advocates warning of manipulation techniques while skeptics urged perspective on technology fears.
Communications Act
Cities Oppose FCC Inquiry into Speeding Wireline Permitting
Broadband carriers, meanwhile, push the FCC for 60 to 90 day shot clocks, citing months long permitting delays.
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.
Hill Staffers Split on Permitting, Spectrum and Broadband Expansion
Aides to key telecom lawmakers laid out competing visions for the future of U.S. broadband policy.
Briefs
Walberg Introduces Bill to Streamline Wireless Builds on Brownfield Sites
Legislation would waive environmental reviews on previously developed land.
BEAD
Rep. Bob Latta: Ohio Needs Broadband
Lawmaker asks for insight on achieving broadband goals.
Digital Inclusion
One Year Without the Affordable Connectivity Program
Without the broadband subsidy, families are facing harsh tradeoffs to stay connected.
Congress
House Commerce Advances $88 Billion Spectrum Auction Plan, Turning Back Amendments
Democrats fail in bid to redirect spectrum funds to broadband affordability, 911 infrastructure, or cybersecurity in reconciliation bill.
Commerce
Protesters Disrupt House Markup of Budget Bill Addressing Spectrum, AI
House Energy and Commerce Committee markup stretched late into the evening.
