Latta Touts Bill to Spend 10% of FCC Spectrum Proceeds on Broadband Buildouts

House Communications Subcommittee ranking member Bob Latta, R-Ohio, touted the Rural Connectivity Advancement Program Act (HR-7972/S-4015), during a Thursday foreign policy event, as one of a “broad range” of GOP-led legislative proposals to improve broadband connectivity. HR-7972/S-4015 would set aside 10% of the net proceeds from FCC spectrum auctions through Sept. 30, 2022, for broadband buildout (see 2006180062). The measure would help ensure “we have those dollars available for that buildout,” Latta said. He noted that committee Republicans aimed to reduce regulatory barriers to broadband buildout (see 2006250068). The private sector said “’we're not against regulations, just give us regulations we can live with,’” Latta said. “They've invested about $1.7 trillion out there” in rural areas on broadband. Lawmakers need to ensure “we get it out to these rural areas,” especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.