The Federal Scene
Keeping up with Congress, federal agencies and more
This page keeps you abreast of D.C. telecom-related actions, whether they come from the executive, legislative or judicial branch.
Latest updates
04.04.19 – The Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, announced it will hold a
hearing on April 11, 2109, titled, “Illegal Robocalls: Calling All to Stop the Scourge.” The hearing will examine the FCC’s first report on robocalls and review the steps Congress is currently taking to provide consumers relief from illegal robocalls. | press release
04.03.19 - The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced it will hold a hearing entitled “
Broadband Mapping: Challenges and Solutions,” on April 10, 2019. The hearing will examine the current state of the nation’s broadband maps, and evaluate the ongoing efforts within the federal government and private sector to collect more accurate broadband coverage data. |
press release
04.03.19 - The House Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a
hearing on the FCC’s budget on April 3, 2019. Chairman Pai and Commissioner Rosenworcel are listed as witnesses. |
press release
03.29.19 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it will begin accepting the first round of applications for
ReConnect, the rural e-Connectivity pilot program, on April 23, 2019. In March 2018, Congress provided $600 million to the USDA to expand broadband infrastructure and services in rural America, and the USDA is making available up to $200 million in grants, $200 million in loan
and grant combinations and $200 million in low-interest loans. |
press release
03.18.19 - The FCC released its
FY 2020 budget estimates to Congress, requesting $335,660,000 in budget authority from regulatory fee offsetting collections. The FCC said this budget request is $3,340,000 less than the FY 2019 budget and will be used to support the following strategic goals for FY 2020: closing the digital divide;
promoting innovation; protecting consumers and public safety; and reforming the FCC’s processes.
03.14.19 - Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.)
introduced bipartisan legislation entitled the
“Improving Broadband Mapping Act” to improve the FCC’s broadband coverage maps.
03.12.19 - Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.)
announced the formation of a Senate bipartisan net neutrality working group that will focus on crafting a net neutrality proposal to encourage innovation, boost investment and close the digital divide.
03.11.19 – President Trump
released his Fiscal Year 2020
budget. The budget, among other things, funds broadband mapping work and supports continued implementation of the e-Connectivity pilot program.
03.06.19 - The House Committee on Small Business held a
hearing entitled “Rebuilding America: Small Business Perspective” that focused on current infrastructure needs and how small businesses can stand to benefit from a comprehensive plan that includes surface, broadband and water, among others. |
press release
03.05.19 – The Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet announced a
hearing entitled “The Impact of Broadband Investments in Rural America” will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. The hearing will focus on the Federal Communications Commission’s order to improve the quality and expand availability of rural broadband. |
press release
03.05.19 - The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology announced a hearing entitled “Legislating to Safeguard the Free and Open Internet” will be held on March 12, 2019. The hearing will focus on restoring net neutrality protections. |
press release
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