GOP Senators Call Broadband Stimulus Projects Questionable

Sens John McCain (R-AZ) Tom Coburn (R-OK) are claiming that a number of stimulus funds allocated to technology-related projects have been wasted, mismanaged, or directed toward shortsighted projects. According to the lawmakers, poor investment choices include funding for a broadband Internet infrastructure map, a digital television ad campaign and a California computer system. The lawmakers claim that the $350 million awarded to states from the Department of Commerce to build a map of its broadband Internet infrastructure, duplicates existing maps. "Rather than spend $350 million on the project, one firm said it could map the whole nation for $3.5 million - one percent of the cost. Or, anyone with a computer could Google it - for free," concludes a summary of the report.