Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr recently criticized former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg over claims that the Trump administration’s "incompetence" is jeopardizing Americans. Carr highlighted a significant $42 billion initiative under the Biden administration that he argues has yet to produce any tangible results, raising questions about the effectiveness of government spending on internet access.
In a pointed response on social media, Carr referred to Buttigieg’s comments, stating, "You worked for an Administration that got $42 billion to connect millions of Americans to the Internet. 1,163 days later, that Admin exited without connecting even 1 person & without turning even 1 shovel worth of dirt." His remarks were a direct retort to Buttigieg’s assertion that incompetence in Washington is a risk to citizens, particularly in light of the Department of Government Efficiency’s scrutiny of federal agencies amid allegations of fraud and overspending.
Carr’s comments come in the wake of the Biden administration’s rollout of a $42.5 billion program aimed at expanding high-speed internet access to underserved areas. This initiative, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021, was intended to address connectivity gaps across the country. However, reports indicate that four years later, the program has yet to connect any users to the internet, raising alarms among critics who question the administration’s management of the funds.
The FCC Chairman has previously expressed concerns about the delays in the program’s implementation, noting that while funds were allocated, bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the Biden administration have hindered progress. Carr elaborated, "The Biden administration decided to layer on top of that a Byzantine additional set of hoops that states have to go through before the administration will approve them to actually get these funds and start completing the builds."
This situation has drawn attention to the broader implications of government efficiency and accountability, particularly in the context of federal spending aimed at improving infrastructure. Carr’s criticisms reflect a growing frustration among some lawmakers and officials regarding the pace and effectiveness of federal programs designed to enhance connectivity.
As the FCC continues to navigate these challenges, the impact of the unspent funds and the lack of progress in connecting Americans to high-speed internet remains a pressing issue, especially as the nation looks to bridge the digital divide.