Governors Urge Hill Appropriators to Prioritize Broadband Deployment in FY 2026

Govs. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., and Henry McMaster, R-S.C., co-chairs of the National Governors Association, urged the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations committees to prioritize broadband deployment as part of the FY 2026 funding process. “We understand the critical role that reliable and accessible internet connectivity plays in bridging the digital divide in our communities,” Beshear and McMaster said in a letter to Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, R-Okla., and their Democratic ranking members.

“Internet access is essential for telehealth, accessing education and workforce development programs, and connecting the 21st century economy,” Beshear and McMaster said. “We strongly support the flexibility of federal programs to achieve the diverse needs of states as they deploy broadband capabilities.” The governors also urged Hill appropriators to “prioritize funding for technology innovation that supports” initiatives to boost local economies and build “resilient supply chains in our states and territories.”