FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr slams Biden-Harris Administration for mishandling $42 billion broadband program, leaving rural America disconnected.
At a Glance
- FCC Commissioner Carr criticizes BEAD program for prioritizing political goals over broadband deployment
- 967 days after program inception, no Americans connected to internet through BEAD
- Construction projects not expected to start until 2025 or later
- Carr calls for urgent reforms to realign program with its intended mission
Carr’s Scathing Critique of BEAD Program
Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr has launched a blistering attack on the Biden-Harris Administration’s handling of the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. In a recent testimony before the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Carr highlighted significant delays and inefficiencies that have plagued the program since its inception.
Carr’s criticism centers on the administration’s apparent prioritization of political goals over the program’s primary objective of expanding rural broadband access. He pointed out that despite the program being signed into law 967 days ago, not a single American has been connected to the internet through BEAD funding.
“It has now been 967 days since President Biden signed this $42 billion plan into law. And today, not one person has been connected to the internet with those dollars—not one home, not one business,” Carr stated.
Delays and Bureaucratic Hurdles
The BEAD program, touted as the largest investment in broadband infrastructure in U.S. history, has been mired in delays and bureaucratic red tape. Carr noted that no construction projects are expected to start until at least next year, with some potentially delayed until 2026. He attributed these setbacks to a complex, nine-step review process that has overwhelmed state broadband offices.
“Members of Congress wrote to the Commerce Department two years ago, explaining that the Biden Administration’s decision to create a complex, nine-step, ‘iterative’ structure and review process is likely to mire State broadband offices in excessive bureaucracy and delay connecting unserved and underserved Americans as quickly as possible,” Carr said.
Political Agenda Over Connectivity
Carr accused the administration of using the BEAD program to advance a progressive policy agenda, including climate change initiatives and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements. He argued that these extraneous goals detract from the program’s primary mission of connecting Americans to high-speed internet.
Industry and state officials have echoed Carr’s concerns, stating that the program’s regulations are too onerous and funding allocations insufficient. The criticism extends to swing states like Virginia, where nearly $1.5 billion in promised broadband improvements have been held up due to disputes over federal affordability requirements.
🚨 FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr says Kamala Harris has made no progress on her broadband infrastructure initiative despite having 3 years to work on it.
“In 2021, Vice President Harris agreed to lead the administration's signature $42 billion effort to extend internet service… pic.twitter.com/8EQOfOaUnI
— Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) September 19, 2024
Call for Reforms
Carr has called for significant reforms to the BEAD program, advocating for a streamlined process focused on practical implementation rather than political goals. He emphasized the need for a course correction to bridge the digital divide without pursuing unrelated agendas.
“The Biden-Harris administration’s implementation of this $42 billion BEAD program is wired to fail,” said Carr.
As the 2024 election approaches, the BEAD program’s delays could have significant political implications, especially in swing states where broadband expansion could influence voter sentiment. The Biden administration maintains that broader goals are on track, despite the delays, but the lack of tangible progress in rural connectivity remains a point of contention.
With mounting criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, the future of the BEAD program hangs in the balance. As rural Americans continue to wait for improved internet access, the pressure is on the Biden-Harris administration to deliver on its promises and connect the nation’s digital divide.
