Briefs
Chamber Sues to Block $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
The business lobby says rule exceeds Immigration and Nationality Act
Spectrum
Spectrum Fight Flares in Defense Bill Negotiations
Opponents warn outcome could hinder U.S. spectrum auctions and innovation.
NTIA
Shutdown Stalls Tech and Telecom Oversight Across Washington
Litigation, merger reviews, and permitting all set to slow
FCC
FCC Prepares for Mass Furloughs Amid Looming Government Shutdown
Agency’s previous contingency projected retaining just 12 percent of staff
Funding
Senate Approves FY2026 USDA Budget
Proposes $96 million for rural broadband grants and loans in FY26.
UN
Trump's New AI Plan Leans Heavily on Silicon Valley Industry Ideas
The plan being released Wednesday is expected to focus on boosting artificial intelligence technology exports, streamlining permits for energy-intensive data center.
DOGE
Elon Musk Gives Hazy Answers as He Prepares to Wind Down DOGE
'It’s a startup, effectively. A new administration is like a startup,' Musk said.
Infrastructure
Trump Orders Agencies to Digitize and Accelerate Infrastructure Permitting
White House called it the most sweeping reform of NEPA in its 50-year history.
Democracy
Terminated FTC Democrats Vow to Take Trump to Court
A federal judge reversed a similar attempt by Trump, and an FTC lawsuit might be next.
DOGE
DOGE Access to U.S. Intelligence Poses a National Security Threat, Democrats Say
Employees at the CIA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence were told they didn’t need to comply with Musk’s demands.
FCC
Trump Order Aims to Tighten White House Grip on FCC, Other Agencies
Only the Federal Reserve is carved out of the order's declaration that independent agencies must submit regulations for White House review.
Funding
Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition Defends Universal Service
Beyond legal battles, SHLB will push for swift broadband expansion and sustainable digital opportunity efforts
White House
Trump White House Offers Buyouts to Federal Employees
Offer includes eight months of severance pay for workers who take the deal.
Digital Inclusion
Equity on the Line: Telecom’s DEI Dilemma
FCC ends DEI priorities after Trump’s executive order, leaving telecom’s equity mandates in limbo.
Defense Department
Free Internet for Certain Service Members in National Defense Bill
The House of Representatives is set to vote on the defense bill this week.
Chips
Biden Funded Factories and Infrastructure, But Trump Might Get to Cut the Ribbons
Trump, rather than Biden, could get to tell Americans that he built the country back better.
