John Thune
Bipartisan Senate Aides Expect to Unveil USF Modernization Framework by 2026
Reform effort seeks fair contributions to the Universal Service Fund from modern internet providers.
Funding
Shutdown Enters Third Week as More Than 4,000 Federal Workers Face Layoffs, Telehealth Services Disrupted
Healthcare groups warn that the lapse in federal funding is disrupting telehealth access for underserved patients
FCC
FCC Prepares for Mass Furloughs Amid Looming Government Shutdown
Agency’s previous contingency projected retaining just 12 percent of staff
Public Safety
Sen. Capito: Parades May Be Too Dangerous to Attend
Lawmaker concerned about her personal safety after Kirk murder.
NTIA
Senate Confirms Roth to Lead NTIA
Former Cruz staffer will head up deployment of the BEAD program
Funding
Senate Votes to Cut Funding for NPR, PBS
Sends amended rescissions package back to the House
NTIA
Thune Tees Up Senate Vote for Arielle Roth
Thune filed a motion to invoke cloture on her nomination Tuesday.
Donald Trump
Senate Passes Trump's Big Tax Breaks and Spending Cuts Bill
Vice President JD Vance broke a 50-50 tie, with 3 Republican senators joining all Democrats in voting against the measure.
Congress
Senate Spent 16 Hours to Read Trump's 940-Page, Foot-high Bill Aloud
Now the long debate begins: Renewed pressure to oppose the bill came from Elon Musk, who criticized it as 'utterly insane and destructive.'
FCC
Trusty Confirmed For Five-Year Term
Fetterman joins Republicans again
FCC
Senate Confirms Trusty to Serve Out Rosenworcel’s Term
Senate voting Wednesday on giving Trusty a new five-year term beginning July 1.
American Energy
Tax Bill Passed by House Would Gut Biden-era Clean Energy Tax Credits
The House-passed bill repeals or phases out more quickly clean energy tax credits passed in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
Congress
Senate Votes to Repeal Biden FCC’s Wi-Fi Hotspots Rule
House companion effort led by Rep. Fulcher expected to move next.
Chips
Senate Panel Advances Trusty’s FCC Nomination
Committee also approves FACT Act and another bipartisan bill impacting FCC operations.
Congress
Trusty Gets Her Commerce Committee Vote on April 30
Senate confirmation would give Republicans a 3–2 FCC majority.
NTIA
Trump’s NTIA Pick Vows to ‘Finish the Job’ on BEAD
Roth vows to preserve bipartisan spirit of $42.5 billion broadband program.
