March 10, 2023

Biden Administration Releases Budget for Fiscal Year 2024

On Thursday, March 9, the Biden administration released its budget for fiscal year (FY) 2024. The FY 2024 budget proposes a “Billionaire Minimum Income Tax,” which would affect people with at least $100 million. Organizations including the Family Business Coalition released a letter opposing this provision, suggesting that businesses worth well under $100 million would feel threatened if the White House’s new proposal became law. You can read more about President Biden’s FY 2024 budget here.

Congressional 5G Caucus Leaders Reintroduce Key Legislation

On Friday, March 3, Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Bill Johnson (R-OH), and Annie Kuster (D-NH), co-chairs of the Congressional 5G and Beyond Caucus, reintroduced the “Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act.” NATE supports this bipartisan legislation, which will bolster American leadership by bringing key leaders and stakeholders together to create a unified approach in standards-setting for 5G networks. You can read more about the legislation here.

Energy and Commerce Committee Leaders Press FCC, NTIA on Spending

On Thursday, March 2, House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders including Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) sent letters to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), pressing them on their spending over the past two years. According to the letters, the FCC and NTIA have until March 16 to respond to the leaders’ inquiries. NATE applauds congressional efforts to promote transparency in government spending, particularly with respect to the disbursement of “Internet for All” initiative funds.

Sohn Withdraws From Consideration For FCC Post

On Tuesday, March 7, Gigi Sohn withdrew her nomination to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Sohn withdrew after Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) said he would vote against her nomination. The withdrawal leaves the FCC with a 2-2 partisan deadlock.