Some Republican senators are concerned about a pause to BEAD

As Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick will have powers over many commerce-related areas, and he may play a role in the big issue of tariffs. But of most interest to the broadband community, he would be the boss of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which oversees the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. The Senate Commerce Committee held Lutnick’s confirmation hearing on January 29, where Senators were able to question the nominee. Some Senators—from both parties—expressed concerns about any dramatic changes to BEAD. Sens Shelly Capito (R-WV) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) pushed Lutnick to commit to not making any dramatic changes that will negate the work states have put in to prepare for BEAD—or leave them with subpar service after the funding runs out.