{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/8/two-of-senator-wicker-s-bills-advance-to-the-u-s-senate-floor", "Two of Senator Wicker\u2019s Bills Advance to the U.S. Senate Floor", "2024-08-02", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 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.\n\nA 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\u2019s 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.\n\n\u201cIf 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,\u201d Senator Wicker said.\n\nDespite Senator Wicker\u2019s 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.\n\n\u201cWithout 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,\u201d Senator Wicker said.\n\nSenator Wicker\u2019s 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.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/8/two-of-senator-wicker-s-bills-advance-to-the-u-s-senate-floor"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.0278751142323017, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}