WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce issued the following statement after the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced it would be removing Biden-era requirements on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

"The Trump Administration just took necessary steps to remove the harmful and burdensome Biden-Harris requirements that stopped the $42 billion BEAD program from connecting a single home. These new guidelines will accelerate deployment and provide certainty to states, as we continue our work to connect every American to fast and reliable broadband,” said Chairman Guthrie. “I look forward to getting shovels in the ground and delivering on Republicans’ promise to close the digital divide, ensuring rural Americans can access the internet they need to fully enjoy and participate in the 21^st century economy.”

Background:

•  On March 5, 2025, Congressman Hudson introduced the SPEED for BEAD Act to remove harmful requirements that have prevented the $42 billion program from connecting a single home.
• Also on March 5, 2025, the Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing to discuss the BEAD program titled Fixing Biden’s Broadband Blunder.
• Yesterday, Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson sent a letter to President Trump asking to help accelerate the BEAD program and remove unnecessary and burdensome requirements.
• Today, NTIA issued a policy notice announcing the removal of requirements hampering the BEAD program.

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