Shutdown Continues

One week into the government shutdown, negotiations remain stalled as both parties trade blame over spending cuts and border funding. Federal workers are missing paychecks, national parks and IRS offices are shuttered, and economists warn the prolonged standoff could begin to drag on growth and consumer confidence.

Space Month at FCC

In spite of the shutdown, the FCC has kicked off “Space Month” to fast-track satellite licensing reforms and spectrum policy updates. Chairman Brendan Carr proposes shifting from a “Default to No” to “Default to Yes” model for straightforward approvals, streamlining earth station rules and launching rulemaking for more intensive use of spectrum bands.

Combatting Network Vandalism 

FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty is sounding the alarm over a rising tide of vandalism targeting communications infrastructure, which she calls a direct threat to public safety and broadband expansion. She urged lawmakers, industry, law enforcement and the public to partner in hardening networks, criminalizing willful damage, and preserving the FCC’s “Build America” connectivity goals.

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