House Commerce Creating Broadband 'Foundation' for Infrastructure Package, Blackburn Says
The Trump administration’s infrastructure package is coming soon and “we know there will be a broadband title in that infrastructure bill,” House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., said Friday at an event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. Transportation…
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Secretary Elaine Chao called broadband an infrastructure package priority last week, promising principles to come in the weeks ahead (see 1705170066). Blackburn reaffirmed the House Commerce plans to streamline broadband deployment permitting and siting. “We have to get in and deal with the maps over at the FCC and focus on these unserved areas,” Blackburn said. “The National Broadband Map was last updated in 2014.” Commerce lawmakers will focus on “getting that foundation right.” She emphasized her priority for unserved areas and creation of a federal asset inventory that makes agencies track the permitting review speed. There must be a master form for agencies overseeing federal land, she said. House Commerce will “push to advance bipartisan legislation” such as the Federal Spectrum Incentive Act, she said. “You’re also going to see us look at the Senate’s Mobile Now legislation.” She also discussed a desire to address broadband adoption rates and the importance of education for consumers on different speeds and the merits of access. Blackburn also is scheduled to address broadband infrastructure Tuesday at an event hosted by the Hudson Institute.