FCC
Oregon Pushes Back on Lifeline Fraud Findings
State regulators said federal policies kept some deceased Lifeline subscribers active.
Digital Inclusion
Bill Revoking State-Run Lifeline Eligibility Introduced
The bill could impact Oregon and Texas, the remaining two states with their own Lifeline verification process.
12 Days of Broadband
What to Do With Remaining BEAD Funds, a.k.a 'Non-Deployment'?
As states complete their broadband spending plans, a fight is brewing over the remaining $21 billion.
BEAD
Democratic Wisconsin State Rep. Wants Non-Deployment Funding
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, is circulating a bill that would claw back the money, more than $20 billion so far.
BEAD
Draft Bill Would Claw Back BEAD Non-Deployment Funds
The effort could include more than $20 billion of the program's $42.45 billion.
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
Rural
USDA Nominee Glen Smith Vows Review of Rural Broadband Programs
During his nomination hearing, lawmakers pressed on coordinating USDA’s broadband programs and reviewing stalled energy projects.
Commerce
Senate Commerce Moves to Boost Foreign Investment in High-Tech Sectors
Committee also advances bill to counter cybersecurity risks in oil and gas pipelines.
BEAD
Broadband Spared as Ernst Urges $2 Trillion Cuts
After calling BEAD a “boondoggle” last year, the Iowa senator omitted the program.
Funding
Senate Bill Would Terminate USDA’s Community Connect Grant Program
The program supports broadband expansion in rural areas where service does not exist.
Advanced Energy
Senate GOP Removes Tax on Solar and Wind Energy but Dismantles Climate Law Passed by Democrats
Clean energy advocates were deeply disappointed by the bill
White House
Trump White House Offers Buyouts to Federal Employees
Offer includes eight months of severance pay for workers who take the deal.
EVs
Sen. Ernst Introduces Bill to Relocate Executive Agency Employees
FCC does not seem to be affected by the bill.
Election 2024
Elon Musk Warns Republicans Against Standing in Trump's Way – or His
The incoming administration has Musk allies including venture capitalist David Sacks serving as 'White House A.I. & Crypto Czar'.
Rural
Senate Passes Bill to Ease SEC Reporting Rules on Rural Providers
Bill simplifies SEC reporting for providers with High-Cost support and assets under $10 million.
SpaceX
Sen. Ernst to DOGE: ‘Pull the Plug’ on BEAD Program
19 Senate Republicans voted for the BEAD program a part of the 2021 infrastructure law.
