A Senate bill introduced in late November would rescind roughly $21 billion in unspent federal funds originally designated for broadband programs, setting up a potential debate over how the money should be used.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and co-sponsored by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), targets a portion of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program that has not yet been allocated to states.
BEAD was created under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to expand high-speed internet access in underserved areas nationwide. Under the bill’s provisions, about half of the BEAD funds, those not tied directly to construction of broadband networks, would be returned to the U.S. Treasury.
Supporters of the measure cite delays and unused funds as reasons for reconsidering the current funding structure. State officials and others say the funds could still support workforce, permitting and related efforts tied to broadband deployment.
It is unclear whether the bill has enough support to advance in the 119th Congress.
Source: NAFB News Service
