With a 220-213 vote largely along party lines, House Democrats on Friday passed a $1.75 trillion spending bill; it now goes to the Senate.
The “Build Back Better” (BBB) measure includes what the Wireless Infrastructure Association is calling an “historic” investment in workforce development, including funding for sector-based training and registered apprenticeships. The increased funding for workforce development over the next five years will be crucial for closing the skills gap and building the workforce needed to win the race to 5G and bridge the digital divide, according to the association.
“We are thrilled the House approved $4.6 billion for sector-based training, which WIA supports in telecommunications,” said WIA President/CEO Jonathan Adelstein. “As the national sponsor of the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program, we know firsthand how crucial these resources will be for expanding apprenticeships and training programs to meet the demand for a skilled workforce capable of building telecommunications and 5G networks.”
BBB contains millions of dollars earmarked for broadband connectivity, including $300 million for the Emergency Connectivity Fund, an FCC pandemic relief program to help expand broadband access for students, library patrons and school staff. The agency is preparing to extend the program beyond the pandemic.
BBB contains $100 million for the FCC to promote its broadband affordability programs, according to Politico. It sets up several Commerce Department programs, such as a $280 million pilot to improve broadband in cities and a $475 million program to help consumers purchase devices such as computers and tablets. It also allocates $7 million to establish a “Future of Telecommunications Council” to advise Congress on 6G.
If it ultimately passes the Senate, BBB will be the most significant expansion of the social safety net by the government since the 1960s, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) during a press conference shortly after the vote on Friday.
In the Senate, moderate Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) still have outstanding concerns about the package, reported Axios.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates BBB will add $160 billion to the deficit over 10 years, though the White House contends it would be fully paid for, notes Axios.
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