Aderholt Bows Bill to Make Broadband Projects Eligible for Cares Act

Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., led filing of the Enabling Extra Time to Extend Network Deployment (Extend) Act to allow states to use funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund created in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (see 2003260063) to pay for grants for broadband deployment in “unserved areas.” The measure would extend to Dec. 31, 2021, the deadline for spending Cares Act money allocated “to a provider of broadband internet access service for the deployment of infrastructure for the provision of such service.” The would measure bar municipal broadband services from accessing the funding. “The COVID-19 pandemic has showcased the critical need for efficient and reliable rural broadband,” Aderholt said. “Since Congress has passed stimulus funding for Coronavirus relief, I believe states should be allowed to use that money to address this dire need.” He’s “hopeful that this legislation will set a precedent for future funding bills.” Lawmakers disagree whether to include dedicated broadband funding in future pandemic aid measures, with Democrats pushing the Senate to enact the House-passed Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (Heroes) Act (HR-8406), which includes more than $15 billion in broadband funding (see 2009290044).