{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/wicker-capito-introduce-the-success-for-bead-act", "Wicker, Capito Introduce the SUCCESS for BEAD Act", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss. and Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V. introduced the Supporting U.S. Critical Connectivity and Economic Strategy and Security for BEAD Act (SUCCESS for BEAD Act). This legislation would authorize states to use remaining funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program for projects that support state\u2019s deployment plan by enhancing public safety, improving network resiliency, strengthening national security, and developing a qualified workforce for emerging technologies. The overarching goal is to advance digital infrastructure readiness and sustain U.S. leadership in innovation by providing clear guardrails for the eligible uses of the remaining funds.\n\n\u201cThis bill is the next phase of target broadband projects in America\u2019s heartland. Reliable connectivity is necessary to improve public safety, national security, telehealth care, education, and economic development. The United States has seen success in developing AI and emerging technologies. These projects would help our rural Mississippi communities participate in these successes. Local leaders know best how to utilize these funds. We should give them the flexibility to ensure these federal investments provide adequate connection for every Mississippian as soon as possible,\u201d said Senator Wicker.\n\n\u201cWest Virginians understand that strong, resilient broadband is essential to so many things. As states finalize their BEAD deployment plans, many will have remaining resources that can and should be put to work supporting long-term success of these networks. I\u2019m glad to team up with Senator Wicker to introduce this legislation, which provides clear guidance so states can invest these leftover dollars responsibly in areas like network resiliency, national security, public safety, and more,\u201d said Senator Capito.\n\nFor full legislative text, click here.\n\nFor a section by section of the SUCCESS for BEAD Act, click here.\n\nBackground:\n\nAs the National Information and Telecommunications Administration continues approving states\u2019 final deployment proposals, it is anticipated that many states will be left with a significant remaining balance from their original BEAD allocations. Current estimates show roughly $20 to $22 billion in total across all 56 eligible entities. This legislation would serve as a \u201cPart II\u201d to the BEAD program following the approval of state deployment plans and would establish clear parameters and guidance for the permissible use of remaining, already obligated funds to ensure the success of the BEAD program.\n\nStakeholder Quotes:\n\n\u201cThe SUCCESS for BEAD Act is a timely, pragmatic proposal that helps ensure every non-deployment federal BEAD dollar delivers the greatest possible benefit for the American people. Once a state completes its deployment plan, any remaining funds should be put to work advancing the security, resilience, and long-term performance of our communications networks\u2014especially as connectivity becomes more central to public safety, economic growth, and U.S. technology leadership. We look forward to working with Senators Wicker and Capito and all of Congress to advance this important legislation and ensure non-deployment BEAD dollars result in more secure, resilient, and reliable networks for decades to come,\u201d said Jonathan Spalter, President & CEO, USTelecom - The Broadband Association.\n\n\u201cThe SUCCESS for BEAD Act is important and timely legislation because it would use BEAD funding to further propel American connectivity. With its infrastructure focus \u2013 to close mobile broadband gaps and augment workforce training programs \u2013 it takes advantage of the Benefit of the Bargain round\u2019s significant savings to improve rural access. WIA appreciates Senators Wicker and Capito for putting this bill forward,\" said Patrick Halley, President and CEO, Wireless Infrastructure Association.\n\n\u201cCCA applauds Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) for leading the introduction of the \u2018Supporting U.S. Critical Connectivity and Economic Strategy and Security for BEAD Act\u2019 or the \u2018SUCCESS for BEAD Act.\u2019 Prioritizing investment of \u201cnon-deployment\u201d funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program on initiatives such as mobile and fixed wireless connectivity will complement and enhance current investments from the BEAD program and ensure maximum impact toward closing the digital divide. Directing the remaining funds toward advanced wireless networks is the fastest and most effective way to progress ubiquitous connectivity \u2013 especially in rural America, where these networks are an important part of the path to meaningful broadband access. Strengthening and improving these networks expands opportunities to access education, telehealth, commerce, and public safety as well as cutting-edge technologies including AI and precision agriculture in the communities that need them most. Congress appropriated these funds specifically to expand connectivity and putting them to work expanding and enhancing wireless networks, as well as by providing support for critical workforce personnel and ensuring accountability with resources for data mapping policies, stays true to BEAD\u2019s original goals,\" said Tim Donovan, President and CEO of Competitive Carriers Association.\n\n\"All consumers and businesses need trusted broadband connectivity. And as the economy becomes more reliant on new technologies such as AI, we should remember that there is no AI without broadband. To lead in AI, we need universal, secure connectivity, and that starts with robust broadband networks. Underlying our strategic competitiveness is building a skilled workforce in each state and locale. By investing in trusted, high quality broadband and building a skilled workforce, we drive innovation across every sector - from defense to education to healthcare to manufacturing- we boost U.S. competitiveness, improve cybersecurity and close the connectivity gap,\" said Dave Stehlin, Telecommunications Industry Association CEO.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"]], "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/2025/12/wicker-capito-introduce-the-success-for-bead-act"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.9562850464135408, "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"}