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A Congressional subcommittee met this week discussing BEAD Program investments in a hearing titled: “Fixing Biden’s Broadband Blunder.”
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Broadband took center stage on Capitol Hill this week as a Congressional subcommittee held a hearing titled “Fixing Biden’s Broadband Blunder.”
Democrats say the March 5 hearing, held by the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, was part of an effort to “undermine Democrats’ historic broadband investments.”
Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican representing North Carolina and the chair of the subcommittee, said he prioritizes closing the digital divide but laid into the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program in opening statements.
He said the program had been delayed because FCC broadband maps had not been finished quick enough and blamed the Biden administration for saddling the BEAD Program with “regulations unrelated to broadband to appease left-wing interest groups.”
Rep. Huson also took aim at technology preferences, “burdensome labor rules,” and references to climate change in the BEAD Program’s framework.
He also said the Biden administration “flagrantly ignored the law by forcing states to regulate broadband rates” before they could achieve approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for initial proposals.
Divisions on the subcommittee were highlighted, however, when Democrats like Rep. Frank Pallone, of New Jersey, spoke up.
‘Today’s hearing is more of the same’
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $42 billion BEAD Program was designed to ensure every American household can connect to high-speed, reliable, and affordable internet,” he said. “Not one Republican on this Committee supported those investments.”
Rep. Pallone continued.
“Instead, Committee Republicans have done nothing but undermine our efforts to deploy more reliable and affordable broadband,” he stated, while reading prepared remarks. “I regret that today’s hearing is more of the same – with an eye in the rear-view mirror.”
Rep. Neal Dunn, a Florida Republican, speaks as a poster lists “Biden’s Biggest Broadband Blunders” at a March 5 hearing held by the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: YouTube screenshot
Meanwhile, speaking at the hearing were witnesses like Tim Donovan, the president and CEO of the Competitive Carriers Association.
Donovan said targeted improvements could maximize broadband deployment under the BEAD Program.
“The BEAD Program is an important investment in rural broadband,” he said. “But its implementation must allow flexibility and technology choices.”
The hearing adjourned with statements and documentation offered during the procedure being entered into the record.
To watch the full video of Wednesday’s hearing on YouTube, click here.
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