House Democrats Unveil Infrastructure Bill With Broadband, NG-911 Funding
House Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone of New Jersey and other Democratic leaders released the Moving Forward Act infrastructure legislative package Monday, as expected (see 2006180062). HR-2 includes $100 billion in broadband funding, including $12 billion for next-generation 911. It…
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would allocate $9 billion for a Broadband Connectivity Fund to give eligible households “additional broadband benefit” and $5 billion for E-rate. The broadband language reflects the House-passed Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (Heroes) Act (HR-6800) and other proposals (see 2006160049). The measure allocates $5 billion for a proposed NTIA program for communities and public-private partnerships, reflecting the Broadband Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (HR-4127). Digital equity investments mirrors a proposal in the Digital Equity Act (HR-4486/S-1167). There's also language from the House-passed Advancing Critical Connectivity Expands Service, Small Business Resources, Opportunities, Access and Data Based on Assessed Need and Demand (Access Broadband) Act. HR-1328/S-1046 would establish an NTIA Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (see 1905080081). The bill has a provision resembling HR-1693, for Wi-Fi equipment on school buses to be E-rate eligible. HR-2 also reflects the Closing the Homework Gap Through Mobile Hotspots Act (HR-5243). It's "a comprehensive plan to close the digital divide,” said Public Knowledge Senior Policy Counsel Jenna Leventoff.