Defense Department
Senate Markup of ACP Bill Postponed a Third Time
Departments of Commerce and Defense requested changes Tuesday night.
FCC
Congress Pushes for National Broadband Strategy With NTIA Reauthorization Act
The Act requires the NTIA to harmonize more than 100 federal initiatives to expand high-speed internet. It also increases reporting and oversight requirements.
Second Circuit
Federal Inaction on ACP Spurs State-led Broadband Subsidies
As federal ACP support wanes, state broadband subsidy solutions in New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia offer innovative solutions to maintain connectivity.
JD Vance
GOP Leaders Remain Skeptical Amid Push for ACP Funding
Sen. Ben Ray Luján signaled his USF working group is looking to fold ACP into the fund.
Defense Department
Cantwell Releases Draft Legislation to Restore FCC Auction Authority, Fund ACP, Rip and Replace
The Senate Commerce Committee is planning to vote on the bill at its May 1 markup
Expert Opinion
Deborah Collier: Virginia Fights for Affordable, Accessible Broadband
The author argues that Virginia’s firm stand on BEAD funding serves as a beacon for the states.
Defense Department
Senators Disagree on Spectrum Auction Proceeds
Democratic lawmakers supported using proceeds to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Defense Department
Thune and Cruz Introduce Bill to Reinstate FCC Auction Authority
The bill would also require the NTIA to flag 2,500 megahertz of federal spectrum for repurposing.
FCC
Tech Trade Group Report Argues for USF Funding from Broadband Companies
Consulting firm Brattle Group said in a report the move would be economically sound.
FCC
Telecoms and Tech Giants Disagree on Where to Find More Universal Service Funds
The USF is facing dwindling funds and pending court challenges.
Expert Opinion
Kristian Stout: Red Tape and Headaches Plague BEAD Rollout
States must overcome numerous hurdles before BEAD will be able to succeed.
Marsha Blackburn
Senate Commerce Committee Passes Two Bills To Protect Children Online
The bills failed to make headway in a previous Congress.
FCC
Farm Bill Should Include Higher Broadband Speed Requirements
Congress should increase speed requirements for the USDA’s broadband programs to encourage fiber builds, committee hears.
USF
Bill Would Require FCC to Make Rules on Expanding Funding Base of Universal Service Fund
The bill requires the FCC to study and reform the contribution base of the Universal Service Fund.
FCC
Bill to Address National Security Threats, Reactions to Sohn Withdrawal, Need for 5G Spectrum
The new legislation would give the Commerce Department the power to identify and intercept national security threats.
China
TikTok Security Officer Touts New Oversight Framework as Congress Pushes for Ban
The “Project Texas” initiative ensures that all of TikTok’s U.S. data security operations are overseen by independent parties.
