Letter
FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel's Response to Members of Congress Regarding Competitive Broadband Access in Multiple Tenant Environments
On April 3, members of Congress wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Commissioners Carr, Starks, Simington, and Gomez expressing concern about the proposal to ban bulk billing agreements in multi-tenant buildings. Specifically, they asked that the FCC reconsider the proposal since in 2010 the FCC found that bulk billing arrangements “predominately benefit consumers.” On May 3, Chairwoman Rosenworcel responded, explaining that the proposal was designed to protect consumers, and would allow them to opt-out of bulk billing arrangements.
Chairwoman Rosenworcel's Response to Members of Congress Regarding Data Breach Reporting Requirements
In December 2023, members of Congress wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel expressing concern that proposed data breach reporting requirements would violate the Congressional Review Act. On May 3, Chairwoman Rosenworcel responded and explained that the new requirements were a needed update, and consistent with the Congressional Review Act.
FCC Chairwoman Updates Congress on Funding Shortfall for Removing Insecure Equipment from Communications Networks
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wrote to Congressional leaders about a more than $3 billion funding shortfall in the FCC's “rip and replace” program. The Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act requires the removal, replacement, and disposal of communications equipment and services produced or provided by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation, and established the FCC’s reimbursement program which has only been appropriated $1.9 billion toward the approximately $4.98 billion in reimbursable costs.
Chairwoman Rosenworcel's Final Update to Members of Congress Regarding the Affordable Connectivity Program
On May 1, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wrote to Congressional leaders with a final update on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). April was the last month of full funding for the program, which will fully exhaust during May without additional funding from Congress. "If additional funding is not promptly appropriated, the one in six households nationwide that rely on this program will face rising bills and increasing disconnection.
Sens Wyden, Markey Reveal Automakers Provide Detailed Location Information to Law Enforcement Without a Warrant, Rarely Notify Car Owners; Request FTC Investigate Broken Promises to Protect Drivers’ Privacy
We write to request that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigate several automobile manufacturers — Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, Volkswagen, BMW, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, and Kia — for deceiving their customers by falsely claiming to require a warrant or court order before turning over customer location data to government agencies. Recent investigations by our offices confirmed that only some of the car companies are honoring this commitment.
Rep. Williams Leads 20 GOP Representatives in Letter to Speaker Johnson in Support of Affordable Connectivity Program
Rep. Brandon Williams (R-NY-22) led a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) in support of replenished funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is in the process of winding down in the absence of congressional funding, and beneficiaries will completely lose their discount after May 2024. In light of the widespread, positive impact that the ACP has had on expanding access to this vital tool, the representatives urge immediate action to secure short-term funding for this program.
Charter Returns Rural Digital Opportunity Funds in Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin
Charter Communications—through its affiliates Charter Fiberlink – Michigan LLC, Charter Fiberlink – Missouri, LLC, and Charter Fiberlink CCO, LLC—was awarded Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) funding to deploy gigabit-speed internet service in certain unserved areas of Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
Chair Rodgers, Ranking Member Cruz Lead Colleagues in Urging FCC to Halt Unlawful Plan to Reclassify Broadband as a Public Utility
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX) led a bicameral coalition of their committee colleagues in calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reverse course and abandon its so-called “net neutrality” draft order—an illegal power grab that would expose the broadband industry to an oppressive regulatory regime under Title II of the Communications Act. The members argue that the FCC’s draft order ignores the text of the Communications Act of 1934, which explicitly precludes the FCC from
New Dems Implore House Republicans to Join Democrats in Preventing 23 Million American Households From Losing Internet Access
New Democrat Coalition Rep Angie Craig (D-MN) and Freshman Leadership Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) led 95 New Democrat Coalition Members in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) calling on House Republican Leadership to take immediate bipartisan action to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Hundreds of Groups Urge Congress to Extend Funding for Essential Broadband-Affordability Program That Serves Tens of Millions of U.S. Households
On April 15, a coalition of 271 civil-society groups and local, state and Tribal governments sent a letter to the House of Representatives that urges all members to sign a discharge petition filed by Rep Yvette Clarke (D-NY) in support of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Extension Act. By filing a discharge petition, a member of Congress can bring a bill out of committee to be voted on by the entire chamber.