Headline: House Democrats defended the BEAD program, designed to expand broadband access in underserved areas.
Summary: In response to criticism from Republicans regarding delays, Democrats emphasized that the $42.5 billion BEAD program necessitates meticulous planning, particularly in creating accurate broadband coverage maps. This thorough approach ensures that funding is directed only to unserved areas, preventing the allocation of resources to regions that are already adequately connected. The focus on comprehensive mapping aims to maximize the program’s effectiveness in bridging the digital divide. Discussions also highlighted bureaucratic challenges and state-level complications in implementing the program.
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