Was Kamala Harris Given $42 Billion to Expand Broadband?

Introduction

The claim under scrutiny is that Vice President Kamala Harris was given $42 billion to expand broadband access in the United States. This assertion stems from the Biden-Harris administration's initiatives aimed at improving internet connectivity, particularly in underserved areas. However, the specifics of the funding and its management have become points of contention among various political figures and commentators.

What We Know

1. Funding Source: The $42 billion in question is part of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which was established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enacted in 2021. This law aims to enhance broadband access across the country, particularly in rural and underserved communities 35.

2. Allocation Process: The BEAD program allocates funds to states, which are responsible for submitting proposals to access the funding. As of July 1, 2023, eligible entities could begin submitting their proposals, and the funding is intended to support planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs 45.

3. Political Criticism: Several Republican senators, including Ted Budd and John Thune, have criticized Vice President Harris for what they describe as mismanagement of these broadband initiatives. They argue that under her leadership, the program has not yet connected any individuals to the internet, suggesting inefficiency in the rollout of the funding 129.

4. Official Announcements: The Biden-Harris administration has publicly announced the funding and its intended use, emphasizing its goal to provide reliable and affordable internet service to every home and business in the U.S. by 2030 10.

5. Current Status: As of the latest reports, the program is still in the early stages of implementation, with states beginning to propose their plans for utilizing the funds 48.

Analysis

The claim that Kamala Harris was given $42 billion for broadband expansion is somewhat misleading. The funding is allocated to states rather than directly to Harris or her office. The role of Vice President Harris is primarily as a leader in the administration's broadband initiatives, which includes overseeing the distribution of these funds.

Source Evaluation

• Government Sources: The official announcements from the Biden-Harris administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce are credible as they provide direct information about the funding and its intended purposes 3610. However, they may carry a bias towards portraying the administration's efforts positively.

• Political Criticism: The statements from Republican senators, while highlighting concerns about the management of the broadband initiatives, may be influenced by political agendas. Their criticisms could reflect a broader strategy to challenge the administration's effectiveness rather than an objective assessment of the program's status 129.

• Media Reports: Articles from reputable news organizations, such as the Associated Press, provide context and details about the funding and its goals, but they also need to be evaluated for potential bias depending on the outlet's editorial stance 10.

Methodological Concerns

The criticisms regarding mismanagement lack specific evidence detailing how the funds have been mismanaged or why the program has not yet connected individuals to the internet. More detailed reports on the progress of state proposals and the actual deployment of funds would be beneficial to assess the validity of these claims.

Conclusion

Verdict: Misleading

The assertion that Kamala Harris was given $42 billion to expand broadband access is misleading. The funding in question is part of the BEAD program, which allocates resources to states rather than directly to the Vice President. While the Biden-Harris administration has announced ambitious goals for broadband expansion, the program is still in its early stages, and criticisms regarding its management lack detailed evidence.

It is important to recognize that while the criticisms from political figures may highlight genuine concerns about the rollout of broadband initiatives, they may also be influenced by partisan agendas. The current status of the program suggests that it is premature to evaluate its effectiveness fully.

Readers should be aware of the limitations in the available evidence and the potential biases in both government and political sources. As always, it is crucial to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives before drawing conclusions.

Sources

1. Budd Joins Letter Calling Out Harris Mismanagement of Broadband Funds - U.S. Senator Ted Budd. Link
2. “Broadband Czar” Harris Must Be Held Accountable for Mismanagement of Federal Initiatives - U.S. Senator John Thune. Link
3. FACT SHEET: Vice President Harris Announces Funding to Lower Internet Costs for Families. Link
4. Biden-Harris Administration Announces State Allocations for $42.45 Billion High-Speed Internet Grant Program as Part of Investing in America Agenda | BroadbandUSA. Link
5. Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program | BroadbandUSA. Link
6. Biden-Harris Administration Delivering on Promise to Connect Everyone in America to Reliable High-Speed Internet Service | U.S. Department of Commerce. Link
7. Biden to announce $42 billion to expand high-speed internet access | U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia. Link
8. Biden-Harris Administration Announces State Allocations for $42.45 Billion High-Speed Internet Grant Program as Part of Investing in America Agenda | Internet for All. Link
9. Young, Colleagues Write to Vice President Harris about Mismanagement of Broadband Initiatives - Senator Young. Link
10. Biden's broadband plan aims to connect every home and business in U.S. | Associated Press. Link