1. Monthly archive
  2. May 2021

May 2021

White House proposes smaller $1.7 trillion infrastructure package to try to sway skeptical Republicans

The White House told Senate Republicans it is open to reducing its infrastructure proposal down to $1.7 trillion in the hopes of securing a bipartisan deal, but GOP lawmakers signaled they are still disinclined to support a package carrying that price tag. The new offer, described afterward by White House press secretary Jen Psaki, appears to mark a decrease from the total $2.2 trillion President Biden proposed earlier this spring. The new plan is expected to lessen the money available for broadband, and reduce the money set aside for roads and bridges, to bring the president

Kinzinger Bill Would Prevent Federal Regulation of Service Rates for Broadband Access

Rep dam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced H.R. 3346, the No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act. This legislation would prohibit the Federal Communication Commission from regulating the rates charged for broadband internet access service. Broadband access has become increasingly important in the 21st Century and has become even more essential as the coronavirus pandemic has forced many people to move online to work, attend school, conduct business, and even socialize.

Rep Butterfield Introduces Expanding Opportunities for Broadband Deployment Act

Rep G. K. Butterfield (D-NC-01) introduced the Expanding Opportunities for Broadband Deployment Act (HR 3376) to increase access to and speed the deployment of broadband to households and small businesses currently without this vital service. The bill will enable more broadband service providers to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s Universal Service Fund (USF) programs by eliminating an outdated requirement that only internet service providers designated as eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) may receive USF dollars.

Rep Cammack Introduces Gigabit Opportunity (GO) Act

Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) introduced the Gigabit Opportunity (GO) Act (HR 3377). The bill acknowledges the importance of high-speed internet to the 21st century economy and accordingly encourages private investment in broadband service through targeted tax incentives in areas that still lack access. The GO Act would empower states to designate low-income areas that lack fixed wireless broadband service at speeds of at least 25 / 3 mbps.

House Agriculture Republicans Introduce Broadband for Rural America Act

House Agriculture Republicans introduced the Broadband For Rural America Act (HR 3369), one of several infrastructure proposals from House Republicans that bridge the digital divide for communities nationwide. The proposal from House Agriculture Republicans provides more than $7 billion in authorizations for Department of Agriculture broadband connectivity programs. The Broadband For Rural America Act:

Heavyweights Join Facebook-backed, Pro-Tech Group, the American Edge Project

House Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) are joining the American Edge Project and will work to promote “internet openness, accessibility and free expression” as lawmakers inch towards regulating the major tech companies. In addition to Facebook, the group’s members include tech trade group NetChoice and the Connected Commerce Council.

Biden’s Broadband Plan Is a Good Start—but America Needs Guaranteed Broadband for All

President Biden’s proposal to expand high-speed Internet access as part of his infrastructure bill affirms that broadband is an essential public service. It embraces the government’s responsibility to counteract the market’s failure to provide adequate Internet access to millions of Americans. By prioritizing universal service, it offers a glimpse of what a more democratic Internet might look like.

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