Sen Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA)

Sen Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led four members of Georgia’s congressional delegation in calling on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to release nearly $1 billion in already-approved federal funding to support increased broadband access and internet-dependent services in Georgia.

We write with concern regarding the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s recent announcement that it is delaying the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. This unprecedented move by the NTIA will further delay our communities from having the connectivity they need to grow and thrive. To unlock the full strength of the U.S. economy, every community must have access to the vast opportunities enabled by broadband, and this can be achieved by your Administration following the law as outlined in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

We write concerning the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Implementing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) “Prevention and Elimination of Digital Discrimination” (Docket/RM 22-69). We urge you to take swift action to adopt final rules to facilitate equal access to broadband internet.  Congress intended Section 60506 to require internet service providers to end discrimination resulting from programs and policies that perpetuate systemic barriers for people of color and other underserved groups.