Blackburn Optimistic for Broadband Infrastructure Proposal in Fall

told reporters she believes the infrastructure plan remains a top priority for the administration and that the White House views broadband as “the No. 1 infrastructure issue. Of course, you've got roads and bridges and airports” teed up as other important infrastructure issues, but local politicians are focusing on broadband. Blackburn is hopeful Congress can tackle infrastructure legislation in the fall, once it finishes work on the FY 2018 federal budget. Blackburn emphasized during a Brookings Institution event that public-private partnerships, along with state and local funding, would be primary drivers for broadband investment as part of a broader infrastructure plan. Federal grants will be used to “finish” funding for broadband projects, with money primarily targeted at unserved areas, she said. A broadband title will need to include language to eliminate regulatory barriers to encourage investment in deployment, including for siting and permits, Blackburn said. She noted House Communications' June hearing on broadband speed mapping and other barriers to deployment (see 1706210059) as evidence that Congress should address those issues, “to set the right foundation” in advance of an infrastructure package. Blackburn sees net neutrality legislation as a way of providing “certainty” ahead of an infrastructure package. She urged House Democrats “to work with us” on net neutrality, hoping there won't be a “one-sided conversation.” Many telecom-focused congressional Democrats don't believe a bipartisan net neutrality bill is possible, possibly at all this Congress (see 1707130063 and 1707210038).