Manchin Introduces Bill to Create FCC Rural Telecom, Broadband Advisory Committee

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., introduced S-277 Thursday to “establish a Rural Telecommunications and Broadband Advisory Committee” within the FCC. It has no co-sponsors and was referred to the Commerce Committee, where Manchin was a member last Congress. “The Rural Telecommunications and Broadband Service Act would bring these voices to the table to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Congress live up to the promise of universal service and help define what that means in today’s 21st century economy,” Manchin said in a statement Friday. “Running a business should not force you to choose between your hometown and a fast and reliable broadband connection.” His news release cited his efforts to press the FCC on Mobility Fund Phase II (see 1702020025).