"Trump Overhaul Imperils $21 Billion in Broadband Grants"

US States Face Potential Loss of $21 Billion in Broadband Grants After Trump Overhaul A proposed Senate bill, drafted by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), could redirect approximately $21 billion in unallocated broadband grants from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to the US Treasury for deficit reduction. This move follows the Trump administration's overhaul of the program, which reduced projected spending and shifted funds from fiber projects to satellite connectivity. According to Ars Technica, the overhaul required states to rewrite their grant plans, resulting in a projected $21 billion left over after money is allocated to projects that expand broadband access. The BEAD program, originally valued at $42.45 billion, would be effectively cut in half under the proposed bill. Senate Republicans have drafted legislation to complement the Trump administration's overhaul, further reducing the program's projected spending. The BEAD program was established to expand high-speed broadband access to underserved areas across the US. However, the Trump administration's overhaul of the program has led to tensions between the federal government and states over the downsizing of the program. The proposed bill's passage could exacerbate these tensions, as states may lose access to a significant portion of the program's funding. According to experts, the proposed bill's impact on the BEAD program would be substantial. "This would be a devastating blow to the efforts of states to expand broadband access to their residents," said a spokesperson for the National Association of State Broadband Directors. "The BEAD program is a critical tool for closing the digital divide, and redirecting these funds to the Treasury would undermine the program's effectiveness." The proposed bill's fate remains uncertain, as it has yet to be voted on by the Senate. However, the potential loss of $21 billion in broadband grants has sparked concerns among state officials and experts. "We urge Congress to reconsider this proposal and ensure that the BEAD program is fully funded to support the critical work of states in expanding broadband access," said a spokesperson for the National Association of State Broadband Directors. In the meantime, state officials are bracing for the potential loss of funding. "We're working closely with our congressional delegation to express our concerns about the proposed bill and its impact on our state's broadband expansion efforts," said a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Economic Development. "We hope that Congress will take a more nuanced approach to funding the BEAD program and ensure that it meets the needs of our state's residents." The proposed bill's passage would have significant implications for the BEAD program and the states that rely on it to expand broadband access. As the bill moves through the Senate, state officials and experts will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.