Senate Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen U.S. Broadband Supply Chains

WASHINGTON, DC - The Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation co-led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to strengthen U.S. broadband supply chains and support projects in Michigan aimed at expanding access to high-speed internet. The Network Equipment Transparency (NET) Act would improve transparency in the broadband supply chain through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure local broadband projects stay on track. The legislation comes after previous supply chain disruptions have delayed broadband infrastructure projects.

"Resilient, efficient supply chains are essential to keeping prices low and ensuring Americans can get the products they need, and that includes broadband internet," said Senator Peters. "This bipartisan bill would fortify the investments we made in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand high-speed, affordable internet by identifying issues in the broadband supply chain early, before they impact American businesses, workers, and consumers. I'll continue to fight for high-speed internet access for all Michiganders."

A lack of transparency into the health of the telecommunications supply chain may contribute to future equipment shortages as federal broadband programs prioritize expanding high-speed, reliable, and accessible networks. The NET Act is particularly important after Peters helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which invested billions to jumpstart broadband projects in Michigan and across the country. This bill would help to identify supply chain issues earlier so they can be addressed with less impact on these ongoing projects that help deliver high-speed internet access to rural and underserved communities in Michigan.

Peters reintroduced this legislation with U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

###

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Tweet