Sen. Thune criticizes Kamala Harris’s broadband role as a failure

Senator John Thune, along with several Republican colleagues, criticized Vice President Kamala Harris's role as the 'broadband czar' in a letter addressed to her. They expressed concerns over her leadership in expanding broadband access, likening it to her performance as the 'border czar.' The letter highlighted that despite significant federal investments, including a $42.5 billion fund from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, no progress has been made in connecting individuals to broadband services since the bill's passage over 1,000 days ago. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, intended to enhance internet access, has faced numerous challenges. Thune and his colleagues pointed out that progressive mandates have hindered the program's effectiveness, including labor requirements that could disadvantage rural communities and a preference for government-owned networks over private investment. These issues have contributed to delays in broadband deployment, particularly in underserved areas. The letter also criticized the administration for imposing additional requirements that were not part of the original legislation, such as climate-related risk assessments and regulations on broadband rates. These mandates have complicated the process and led to confusion among states, further stalling efforts to provide reliable internet access. In conclusion, Thune and the Senate Republicans argued that the administration's approach has failed to connect millions of Americans, representing a misuse of taxpayer dollars. They called for a renewed focus on delivering broadband services to those who are unconnected, emphasizing that the public deserves better outcomes from their government.