Wicker, Thune Seek GAO Review of FCC EBB
Senate Commerce Committee ranking member Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Communications Subcommittee ranking member John Thune, R-S.D., asked GAO Thursday to review the FCC’s $3.2 billion emergency broadband benefit program (see 2104290085), citing the need to ensure efficacy. “The goals of…
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the EBB program are laudable, but as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, it is imperative Congress and GAO conduct proper oversight,” the senators wrote U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro. “The FCC quickly adopted rules to establish the program, but despite the program not disbursing any funds to its intended recipients -- consumers who are struggling to pay for their broadband service during the pandemic -- there have already been calls” for $6 billion (see 2103110060) “in additional support for the EBB program” via the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act (HR-1783/S-745). “Before additional funding is considered for this untested program, we believe proper oversight of this publicly funded program is critical to allowing Congress to thoroughly and carefully consider the program’s benefits,” they said. GAO didn’t immediately comment.