Briefs
Senate Commerce Committee to Review Key Telecom Nominations
If confirmed, Trusty will cement a Republican majority at the FCC
SpaceX
NTIA Nominee Roth Mostly Noncommittal on Key BEAD Issues
Roth offered no guarantees that states won’t have to restart BEAD subgrantee selections.
Commerce
Senate Confirms Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary
Lutnick, confirmed 51-45, has emphasized commercial growth in broadband, spectrum, and artificial intelligence.
BEAD
Lawmakers Renew Bill to Address Permitting Delays on Federal Lands
The bill comes as state officials push for reforms to environmental and historic preservation permitting rules under BEAD.
Public Safety
Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Protect Teenagers from Online Image Abuse
Introduced by Klobuchar and Cruz, bill would criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery.
BEAD
Former FCC Commissioner Predicts Court Battle Over BEAD’s Fiber Preference
But Kathryn de Wit of Pew said the structure of BEAD was carefully crafted to address systemic flaws in federal broadband policy.
Commerce
Sen. Blackburn Wants to Free Up Federal Spectrum for Commercial Use
The senator said unused spectrum could generate up to $100 billion for the federal government
BEAD Data
Texas Pushes to Eliminate BEAD Low-Cost Broadband Requirement
Texas broadband official urged senators to remove affordability mandates, and labor requirements.
Congress
Kids Off Social Media Act Divides Lawmakers on Senate Commerce Committee
Other bipartisan measures related to broadband expansion, supply chain resilience, and emergency communications.
Chips
Senate Committee Votes To Advance Commerce Nominee Howard Lutnick
Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz told Broadband Breakfast he was 'certain there will be' changes to BEAD.
BEAD
NTIA Nominee Roth Has Big Issues with BEAD
Incoming NTIA chief Arielle Roth would abolish fiber preference, low-cost mandates.
Funding
Sen. Moran Wants to Shield BEAD Grants from Taxation
Kansas senator hinted at tying broadband tax exemption to reconciliation bill.
SpaceX
Trump Vows to Restore Free Speech in Inauguration Speech
Highlights of Trump's speech included a focus on deregulation, protections for what he described as free speech, and sweeping energy policy changes.
FCC
Trump Taps Senate Staffer Olivia Trusty to Cement GOP Majority at FCC
Trusty's legislative work has spanned broadband mapping and protection of free speech online.
Congress
Vice President-elect Vance Resigns from his Senate Seat
Vance, a member of the the Senate Commerce Committee, supported the ACP.
Congress
Senate GOP Ratifies Cruz as Commerce Chairman
Expanding commercial access to spectrum is high on the agenda, Texas lawmaker says.
