Remarks of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science

As of today, we estimate that Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program reforms have generated over $21 billion in savings for taxpayers, while advancing universal broadband nationwide. That is not a projection. That is the direct result of competition and disciplined execution. But savings alone are not the goal. Execution and long-term success matter even more. Too many past broadband programs failed because projects defaulted, providers walked away, and communities were left stranded. BEAD cannot repeat those mistakes. That is why the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is enforcing clear guardrails to minimize defaults. Our framework demands real skin in the game from providers, streamlined permitting, and protections against regulatory uncertainty that would undermine projects after awards are made. We are now nearing the end of state plan approvals. Fifty out of fifty-six states and territories have been approved by NTIA, and we are moving BEAD from planning to construction without delay. This program is no longer about promises or projections. It is about outcomes.