Sen Fischer Leads Colleagues to Preserve States’ Ability to Use Broadband Infrastructure Funds as Congress Intended

We write to request the [NTIA's] attention to a major question emerging within the BEAD Program. Under the latest BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice, many states likely will — or already do — have leftover BEAD allocations. Given the intent of Congress that these resources be used to expand broadband access nationwide, we respectfully seek clarity on how NTIA will ensure proper stewardship of non-deployment funds to close the digital divide. We respectfully request that NTIA provide: 

1. A public accounting of the BEAD funds for each state, including amounts already committed to deployment projects and amounts remaining unallocated or reserved for non-deployment uses;
2. Clarification of NTIA’s current interpretation of allowable “non-deployment” uses in light of the June 2025 policy notice and consistent with authorized use of the funds moving forward, and whether any previously approved non-deployment activities may remain eligible; and
3. A timetable for revised guidance on non-deployment funds, along with any criteria or conditions under which non-deployment programs will be permitted or prioritized.