Following House passage last Wednesday, the Senate Thursday night passed the $1.5 trillion omnibus spending package for FY 2022. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure quickly, the first major spending bill since he took office, according to The New York Times.
Inside Towers reported the measure contains $381.95 million, $8 million more than the FY 2021 enacted level, for the FCC, and $50 million for NTIA. The bill also provides a total of nearly $4 billion for rural development programs, including more than $550 million to expand broadband and an additional $450 million for the USDA’s ReConnect program.
In the spending package, Congress acknowledged the importance of 5G infrastructure and encouraged the FCC, in conjunction with the Department of Labor, to continue to encourage investments in the development of the 5G workforce, including apprenticeships in the wireless sector. The Wireless Infrastructure Association commended the action.
“As the National Sponsor of the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program, WIA is expanding and supporting Registered Apprenticeship in the wireless sector, which is critical for developing the skilled workforce necessary to win the race to 5G,” said WIA SVP Government and Public Affairs Matt Mandel. “We look forward to increased collaboration with the FCC and DOL, and we are grateful that Congress recognizes the importance of apprenticeship for building 5G and future generation networks.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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