WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee has agreed to advance two pieces of legislation, sponsored by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., to the next step of the legislative process.

A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report has found that federal broadband efforts are not coordinated. Right now, there are over 100 available broadband funding programs that are administered by 15 different federal agencies. Senator Wicker’s bill, the PLAN for Broadband Act, would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to develop a national strategy that takes the available broadband funding programs and streamline their efforts to increase efficiency. The GAO report recommended the creation of a plan so that the programs can be better utilized.

“If the existing mismanagement of available resources continues, the digital divide will never be closed. I am glad to see my bill is advancing because it will improve the broken system and connect more Americans to the internet. It is essential for the federal government to streamline communication and stop delaying the delivery of this important service,” Senator Wicker said.

Despite Senator Wicker’s objections, Democrats on the committee also used the broadband legislation as an opportunity to replenish the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) with $7 billion without reforms or a way to pay for the funding.

“Without reforms, there is no guarantee this program will continue providing internet access to those who need it the most. ACP needs significant work and is not sustainable in its current state. We must have a serious conversation about its future,” Senator Wicker said.

Senator Wicker’s Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act is also moving through the process. This bill would standardize the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Clearance Process which is used by transportation workers nationwide. Although TSA conducts a Security Threat Assessment for each program, applicants have to submit duplicative background check paperwork and fees. The bill would put the Transportation Worker Identification Credential and HAZMAT Endorsement Threat Assessment programs into one application process.

“This process has been broken for far too long. Our essential workers are wasting valuable time and money on redundant security clearance programs. Instead, my bill would take them off the sidelines and put them back on the road,” Senator Wicker said.