February 3, 2023

Senate Agriculture Members Introduce Rural Broadband Access Bill

On Monday, January 30, Sens. John Thune (R-SD), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Deb Fischer (R-NE) reintroduced the Rural Internet Improvement Act. The bipartisan bill would streamline and bolster U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development broadband programs and ensure that their funding is being targeted to rural areas that need it the most. You can read more about the Rural Internet Improvement Act here.

NATE Signs Onto Letter Urging Funding to Secure U.S. Telecom Networks

On Wednesday, February 1, a coalition of technology groups, including NATE, sent a letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee Members urging a fully funded Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). NATE unequivocally supports fully funding the FCC’s program, commonly known as “Rip-and-Replace.” You can read the letter here.

McConnell Announces Senate GOP Committee Assignments

On Wednesday, February 1, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced the Senate Republican Conference Committee Assignments for the 118^th Congress. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) will serve as the top Republican on the Commerce Committee, which will also feature freshmen Sens. Ted Budd (R-NC), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and J.D. Vance (R-OH). You can read the full list of Senate Republican committee assignments here.

Schumer Announces Senate Democratic Committee Assignments

On Thursday, January 26, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced Senate Democratic committee memberships for the 118^th Congress. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) will continue her post as Commerce Committee Chair, which will also feature freshman Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT). You can read the full list of Senate Democratic committee assignments here.