Congressmen Brett Guthrie and Richard Hudson have announced a hearing focused on improving the broadband permitting process. The event, titled “Examining Solutions to Expedite Broadband Permitting,” is set for September 18, 2025, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. The hearing aims to address the complex and costly permitting regulations that hinder connectivity for many Americans.
“Streamlining the broadband permitting process will help expedite deployment, especially in our nation’s most underserved and rural areas,” said Guthrie and Hudson. They emphasized the importance of legislative proposals to enhance access to fast, reliable broadband across the country.
The Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will discuss several bills aimed at reforming broadband permitting. These include H.R.278, the “BROADBAND Leadership Act,” and H.R.339, the “Broadband Resiliency and Flexible Investment Act,” among others.
Patrick Halley, President & CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), is expected to testify about the role of wireless infrastructure in U.S. economic competitiveness and connectivity. He highlights that over $63 billion was invested by the wireless industry in 2024, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and millions of wireless connections.
Halley pointed out challenges such as inconsistent local fees and federal land delays that impede progress. He advocates for a national framework with clear review criteria aligned with federal law to streamline processes.
The hearing will be accessible to both the public and press through a live stream on energycommerce.house.gov. For further information regarding attendance or press inquiries, contacts are provided within the committee staff.
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