During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act and the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Senator Budd highlighted potential delays in fund dispersal for CHIPS grants due to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews, which could extend construction timelines by two years or more. He emphasized the urgency of bringing new capacity online and noted his efforts to include bipartisan provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act aimed at streamlining federal reviews while maintaining environmental protections.

The discussion shifted to the Commerce Department's management of a substantial $65 billion broadband initiative. Senator Budd expressed alarm over findings from the Commerce Department's inspector general, which indicated failures in basic checks that could lead to unlawful duplication of funding. He cited a Wall Street Journal report suggesting that the cost of bringing broadband to certain homes could exceed their assessed values, raising questions about the efficiency of the funding allocation.

Further criticism was directed at the administration's perceived bias against non-fiber technologies, such as fixed wireless and satellite broadband. Senator Budd pointed out that funding was disproportionately allocated to areas with existing high-speed broadband, including Washington D.C., where over $547,000 was spent per unserved location, with a significant portion of that funding directed to the National Zoo. He questioned the rationale behind spending exorbitant amounts to connect homes valued at $50,000 to fiber connections, suggesting that more cost-effective alternatives could be available.

The meeting underscored the need for careful adherence to congressional intent in the rollout of these significant programs, as well as the importance of ensuring taxpayer money is spent efficiently and effectively in expanding broadband access across the country.