Sens. Thune and Wicker Call Out US Commerce Department IG for Neglecting Mandated Broadband Oversight Duties

To ensure taxpayer dollars are used in the most efficient manner possible, Congress required the Commerce Department's Inspector General (IG) to review the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program grants and make recommendations to address any waste, fraud or abuse. Specifically, the IG is required to provide its recommendations and report no later than six months after the first Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program grant was awarded and every six months thereafter. Thus, based on the timing of grants awarded by NTIA, the first IG report was due on May 16, 2022, and a second report was due on November 16, 2022. Contrary to the requirements of the law, you have failed to fulfill your duties required by Congress. Please provide a specific timeline by Friday, December 16, 2022, as to when Congress will receive your recommendations as mandated by Congress.