FCC Chair Seeks $6 Billion to Continue Internet Subsidies for Low-Income Households

The FCC’s commissioner, Brendan Carr, told the House Appropriations subcommittee that he opposed Ms. Rosenworcel’s requests.
FCC Chair Seeks $6 Billion to Continue Internet Subsidies for Low-Income Households
The FCC's chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel, testifies in Washington, on June 24, 2020. (Alex Wong/Reuters)
Aaron Gifford
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Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel asked members of Congress for $6 billion in emergency aid on Thursday to continue funding internet subsidies for low-income households.

Ms. Rosenworcel also requested a nearly 15 percent increase to the agency’s operations budget for 2025, which would add 1,600 employees, improve a mapping system for broadband access, and bolster satellite technology that she maintains is needed to keep up with rapid advances in the telecommunications industry. The hike would bring the FCC’s budget next year to $448 million.

Aaron Gifford
Aaron Gifford
Author
Aaron Gifford has written for several daily newspapers, magazines, and specialty publications and also served as a federal background investigator and Medicare fraud analyst. He graduated from the University at Buffalo and is based in Upstate New York.