U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) celebrated the Senate passage of his resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which would repeal a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule expanding local control to schools and libraries, allowing them to use E-Rate funds to loan Wi-Fi hotspots to community members.
The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) received 94 applications requesting nearly $3 billion in federal funding and proposing more than $1.3 billion in private investment to support innovation in wireless equipment.
President Donald Trump said he would end the Digital Equity Act, legislation that funds three programs that provide billions to extend internet access in underserved communities. Trump is casting the Digital Equity Act as unfairly providing grants on the basis of race. “I have spoken with my wonderful Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, and we agree that the Biden/Harris so-called “Digital Equity Act” is totally UNCONSTITUTIONAL," says the President.
The U.S. Commerce Department is not likely to announce changes to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program until June or July, according to Blair Levin, policy advisor for financial analyst firm New Street Research. Previously, an announcement had been expected around mid-May. Levin pointed to the Senate’s recent nomination hearing for Arielle Roth as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. While Republicans tended to ask Roth softball questions, those from some rural states were a bit more probing.
The Digital Equity Act, an element of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides $2.75 billion for states’ digital equity efforts under three programs. States are currently waiting on this funding to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity they need to fully participate in digital life. Older adults—aged 65+—face numerous barriers to robust digital access, adoption, and use. This funding, if dispersed, could help close the digital divide for older adults and ensure digital agency for all.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
America's tech titans backed President Trump's promise of a new "Golden Age" with seven-figure checks, glowing public praise and fr
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