House Passes Reconciliation Bill with NG-911, ECF Money
The House passed the Build Back Better Act budget reconciliation package Friday 220-213, almost entirely along party lines. Rep. Jared Golden of Maine was the only Democrat who voted with Republicans against HR-5376, which includes $500 million for a new…
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FTC data privacy and security bureau, $500 million for NTIA connected device vouchers, $490 million for next-generation 911 tech upgrades and $300 million for the FCC Emergency Connectivity Fund (see 2111180073). House passage followed an eight-hour-plus speech from Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., in opposition to the measure that at one point referenced Tesla CEO Elon Musk. HR-5376 now heads to the Senate, where its prospects remain unclear as leaders seek support from all 50 Democrats. “As soon as the necessary technical and procedural work with the Senate Parliamentarian has been completed, the Senate will take up this legislation,” said Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “Now only a few Senate Democrats can protect American families from these radical and painful policies,” said Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. “It is up to them to kill this bill.” NAB CEO Gordon Smith praised lawmakers for including language from the Local Journalism Sustainability Act. HR-3940/S-2434’s proposed $5,000 in tax credits for local businesses that buy radio, TV and newspaper advertisements and up to $25,000 for local news organizations to hire journalists, “will provide meaningful incentives for local broadcast stations to hire and retain the newsgatherers who keep our communities informed, connected and engaged,” Smith said. The Wireless Infrastructure Association hailed lawmakers for including $4.6 billion for sector-based workforce training programs. Connect Americans Now Executive Director Richard Cullen urged senators to “maintain their commitment to greater digital equity and focus on additional solutions to permanently ensure every American can access affordable and reliable broadband and the devices and skills needed.”