Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Markup

July 31, 2024

Today, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation convened a full committee Executive Session to consider several pieces of legislation. Bills reported out include the PLAN for Broadband Act, the Rural Broadband Protection Act and the Promoting United States Leadership in Standards Act.

The following statement can be attributed to Brandon Heiner, USTelecom SVP of Government Affairs:

"By increasing agency coordination on permitting, the PLAN for Broadband Act will ensure federal broadband programs work together to close the digital divide. We appreciate Senators Wicker, Lujan, Thune, and Welch for their commitment to connecting all communities. This bill will help us achieve this critically important shared goal.

It was great to see a vote to fund the ACP today in the markup. Thanks to Senator Welch for his support for this important program.

Many thanks to Senators Capito and Klobuchar for their leadership on the Rural Broadband Protection Act which helps ensure accountability and transparency in requiring all USF funding applicants to be carefully vetted by the FCC.

Senators Warner and Blackburn's Promoting United States Leadership in Standards Act will help strengthen U.S. leadership in setting international standards for AI and other emerging technologies."