Vice President Kamala Harris is facing increasing criticism for her handling of a $42 billion program aimed at expanding broadband internet access across rural America.
The initiative, known as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, was designed to bridge the digital divide and deliver high-speed internet to underserved areas.
However, Republican lawmakers are raising concerns that the program is being mismanaged and falling short of its promises.
In a pointed letter, a group of Republican senators, led by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, accused Harris, who has been informally dubbed the “Broadband Czar,” of failing to deliver on key aspects of the program.
The senators drew a parallel between Harris’s management of the broadband initiative and her previous role as “Border Czar,” where she was tasked with addressing the southern border crisis—another area where Republicans have criticized her performance.
The senators contend that rather than focusing on expanding broadband infrastructure in rural and underserved areas, Harris has prioritized the Biden administration’s broader political agenda, including climate change mandates and promoting government-controlled broadband networks.
Specifically, the letter alleges that the administration has placed an emphasis on using unionized labor in states, imposing climate-related mandates on infrastructure projects, and regulating broadband rates, all of which the senators argue detracts from the program’s core mission.
Sen. Thune emphasized that the program, which was initially touted as a major step forward in connecting rural America, has not lived up to its billing.
“The administration made bold promises about providing broadband access to unserved areas, but the focus appears to have shifted,” Thune said.
He added that Harris’s approach appears to mirror her previous tenure overseeing the border, where critics argue that she failed to effectively address the growing crisis.
The BEAD program, which was launched as part of the Biden administration’s broader infrastructure plan, was intended to use $42 billion in federal funds to provide high-speed internet access to Americans who have historically been left behind.
In many rural areas, access to reliable internet remains scarce, limiting educational opportunities, economic development, and access to essential services.
However, the letter from Republican senators accuses Harris of misusing limited taxpayer dollars and argues that the program has fallen victim to bureaucratic mismanagement.
They argue that by promoting government-owned networks over private investment and focusing on politically driven mandates, the administration is slowing the program’s progress and failing to meet the needs of the communities it was meant to serve.
The program’s reliance on unionized labor, in particular, has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans, who claim that it could inflate project costs and delay timelines in certain states.
Critics also argue that the Biden administration’s focus on regulating broadband rates could stifle innovation and deter private companies from investing in expanding their networks in rural areas, where the return on investment is already lower than in urban centers.
The senators have called for greater transparency in how the BEAD program’s funds are being used and urged Harris to shift focus back to the original goals of the initiative—expanding broadband access to unserved areas, promoting private investment, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently.
In response to the criticism, the Biden administration has defended its approach, arguing that climate resilience and labor standards are important components of long-term infrastructure projects.
Supporters of the administration’s broadband plan argue that focusing on sustainability and fair labor practices ensures that the investments will benefit not only today’s generation but also future ones.
Nevertheless, the debate over the program’s management continues to intensify. As rural communities across the country await the promised improvements in broadband access, the spotlight remains on Vice President Harris and the administration’s ability to deliver on their commitments.
The BEAD program, intended to be a cornerstone of the administration’s efforts to modernize the country’s infrastructure, now faces growing scrutiny as lawmakers and the public demand accountability.
42 billion dollars missing, miss managed, It’s not hard to figure it out.
First of all their Communist Democrats.
Secondly the Communist are going to pay people off to vote for Krapala Harris.
Thirdly mass amount of money will be used to Cheat in the most corrupt payoff by the Communist in the counting of the 2024 Election.
Fourth, the Illegals have to have more money.
Fifth, The Communist will need to hire thousands of devoted Anti-American Communist to attack Americans and confiscate their firearms.
Sixth, should Krapala win by cheating, the Communist need millions and billions of money after they destroy America.
Think about it America, what I stated is not to far fetched as the most inhumane, Evil, subhuman, vial, disgusting, fire and brimstone loving Demon worshipping Spawns to ever be voted into office, who have been in office for 30-40-50 years by the most stupidest assholes ever to be born in the United States and they just keep voting for the same shit.
Michael, absolutely true, and I can see the demonic in all of this!
Lenin, Marx (who outwardly worshiped Satan) and Stalin said all those year ago how they wouldn’t have to attack America or the West, as they would infiltrate then encircle or surround the US and game over destroy from within, the Devil’s work! That’s where it’s at just about! Why? Because like you said too many sorry ass losers and idiots opened the door to this and said come on in! The border being flooded with at least 15 Million Illegal Invaders in just the last 3 years says it all!
This must be Schumer’s whirlwind; excuse Satan’s that is being unleashed!
Lawrence you said and you figured out what I’m saying here.
Now Krapala said she’s going to enter our homes without a warrant, and look at your firearms.
Really.? Just look at our firearms.? That’s a violation of the 4th and 5th ammendment.
And now she’s going to bus Illegal Haitians to President Trump’s rallies where major fights will break out and possibly some deaths she she can claim Trump’s rallies are violent and a major threat to Democracy (Communist favorite slogan).
And still. stupid incapable of thinking for themselves will vote for Krapala.
Squandering the 42 billion dollars by emphasizing unionized contracting requirements, climate control provisions and generally just pissing the money away. I wonder how many people in rural underserved areas have been served with broad band communications from this money. Shameful democrat waste.
Dennis for sure, you hit the proverbial nail on the head; just divvy it up and pass it around which is pissing it away; thieves!
Michael, right, and we know who is violent, and a major threat to Democracy, even though they don’t know what the word truly means or care! They are following the communist manifesto and the just the way China and other hellish nations have done that Obama Fundamentally Transform routine; it had its so called “cultural revolution under,” “Mao called on the nation’s youth to purge the “impure” elements of Chinese society and revive the revolutionary spirit that had led to victory in the civil war 20 years earlier and the formation of the People’s Republic of China. history.com
This is what happens in a nation or world where those in power have no consciences or even morals; basically sociopaths and monsters!
To me evil is like the lowest forms of life; that are parasitic and just mimic others like themselves, and that is what we have going on here now.
Yes it is my Brother.
Yes Sir, thank you! God bless you Brother.