U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, a Republican representing Mississippi, and Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia have introduced the Supporting U.S. Critical Connectivity and Economic Strategy and Security for BEAD Act (SUCCESS for BEAD Act). The legislation is designed to allow states to use remaining funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program for projects that support state deployment plans by enhancing public safety, network resiliency, national security, and workforce development in emerging technologies.
The bill aims to provide clear guidelines on how states can spend leftover BEAD funds to advance digital infrastructure readiness and maintain U.S. leadership in innovation.
“This bill is the next phase of target broadband projects in America’s 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,” said Senator Wicker.
“West 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’m 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,” said Senator Capito.
As the National Information and Telecommunications Administration continues reviewing final state deployment proposals for BEAD funding allocations across 56 eligible entities nationwide, estimates indicate $20 billion to $22 billion may remain after initial plans are approved. This proposed legislation would act as a second phase of the BEAD program by setting out clear parameters for how these obligated but unused funds can be spent.
Stakeholders from various telecommunications organizations expressed support for the SUCCESS for BEAD Act:
“The 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—especially 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,” said Jonathan Spalter, President & CEO of USTelecom – The Broadband Association.
“The SUCCESS for BEAD Act is important and timely legislation because it would use BEAD funding to further propel American connectivity. With its infrastructure focus – to close mobile broadband gaps and augment workforce training programs – it takes advantage of the Benefit of the Bargain round’s significant savings to improve rural access. WIA appreciates Senators Wicker and Capito for putting this bill forward,” said Patrick Halley, President & CEO of Wireless Infrastructure Association.
“CCA applauds Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) for leading the introduction of the ‘Supporting U.S. Critical Connectivity and Economic Strategy and Security for BEAD Act’ or the ‘SUCCESS for BEAD Act.’ Prioritizing investment of “non-deployment” funds from the Broadband Equity Access Deployment (BEAD) program on initiatives such as mobile fixed wireless connectivity will complement enhance current investments from the BEAD program ensure maximum impact toward closing digital divide Directing remaining funds toward advanced wireless networks fastest most effective way progress ubiquitous connectivity especially rural America where these networks important part path meaningful broadband access Strengthening improving expands opportunities access education telehealth commerce public safety cutting-edge technologies including AI precision agriculture communities need them most Congress appropriated specifically expand putting work expanding enhancing providing support critical workforce personnel ensuring accountability resources data mapping policies stays true original goals,”said Tim Donovan President CEO Competitive Carriers Association.
“All consumers businesses need trusted broadband connectivity And economy becomes more reliant new technologies such AI we should remember there no without To lead universal secure starts robust networks Underlying our strategic competitiveness building skilled workforce each state locale By investing trusted high quality building drive innovation across every sector defense education healthcare manufacturing boost cybersecurity close gap,”said Dave Stehlin Telecommunications Industry Association CEO
“The Fiber Broadband Association FBA applauds Senator Wicker R-MS Senator Capito R-WV introducing recognizes importance ensuring used strengthen sustain deployment projects critical America’s economic leadership digital age By directing toward high-capacity compliant Build America Buy America fiber infrastructure resources accelerate streamline permitting targeted supports resilient future-ready reinforces domestic supply chains needed deploy them Importantly explicitly connects advanced telecommunications capacity scaling positioning backbone driven innovation productivity public safety long-term competitiveness By prioritizing unserved underserved areas including rural Tribal helps unlock new opportunities high-quality jobs advanced education telehealth precision agriculture next-generation industries ensuring not left behind empowered full participant future,”said Gary Bolton President & CEO Fiber Broadband Association
Senator Roger Wicker has been active on multiple policy fronts during his tenure representing Mississippi since December 2007 according to his official website. He serves as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and holds other committee assignments related to health initiatives and maritime affairs.