US states could lose $21B of broadband grants after Trump overhaul
11 days ago
- #legislation
- #broadband
- #deficit-reduction
- Senate Republican drafts bill to cut $42 billion broadband program by half.
- Bill complements Trump administration's overhaul of BEAD program, reducing spending and diverting funds from fiber to satellite.
- Over $21 billion projected to be left over after broadband access projects.
- Current law allows leftover funds for broadband-related purposes, but Ernst's bill would redirect to Treasury for deficit reduction.
- Bill leaked and published by Benton Institute for Broadband & Society.
- Conflict expected between US government and states over program downsizing.
- Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry urged Trump administration to leave leftover funds for states.
- 2021 law encourages full spending of $42 billion, but Ernst's bill proposes changes to redirect unused funds.