FCC chair brings receipts on Biden admin’s ‘expertise in incompetence’ in blistering message to Buttigieg

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr Slams Pete Buttigieg Over $42 Billion Broadband Program Criticisms

A heated exchange erupted between Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg over the effectiveness of a $42 billion broadband initiative aimed at expanding high-speed internet access to underserved and rural areas. Carr, a Republican and vocal critic of the program, took aim at Buttigieg after the former Cabinet member criticized the Trump administration for "incompetence" that he claimed was putting Americans at risk. Carr’s scathing response highlighted the lack of progress under the Biden administration’s management of the multi-billion-dollar project.

The $42 Billion Broadband Initiative: Promise Unfulfilled

At the heart of the controversy is the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which was approved as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021. The initiative was designed to address the digital divide by connecting millions of Americans in rural and underserved areas to high-speed internet. President Joe Biden himself compared the initiative to former President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1936 Rural Electrification Act, which brought electricity to homes nationwide. Biden stated, "Today, Kamala and I are making an equally historic investment to connect everyone in America — everyone in America to high-speed Internet by 2030."

However, nearly four years after the program’s inception, the results have fallen far short of expectations. According to a report by the Washington Policy Center released last year, the program has yet to connect a single person to the internet or even begin construction on any projects. States were required to submit plans for the deployment of funds by 2023, but progress has been slow. Carr has repeatedly criticized the program, pointing out that despite the allocation of funds, no tangible results have been achieved. He noted that the program now estimates that construction projects may not even begin until 2025 at the earliest.

Carr Calls Out Biden Administration for Bureaucratic Delays

Carr, who has been a vocal critic of the program, placed blame squarely on the Biden administration for the lack of progress. In an interview with FOX Business in June, Carr explained that while the 2021 law provided the framework for the initiative, the Biden administration added layers of bureaucratic red tape that have hindered states from accessing the funds. "There’s no question that the 2021 law put some process in place, but 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," Carr said.

He also emphasized that while some high-speed internet projects have been completed during the Biden administration, none of them were funded through the $42.5 billion BEAD program. Carr’s criticism has been consistent, with the FCC Chair repeatedly pointing out the inefficiency of the program in his public statements and on social media platforms like X, where he responded directly to Buttigieg’s recent comments.

Buttigieg’sCriticism of Government Efficiency Draws Fire

Buttigieg, who served as Transportation Secretary under President Biden, had taken to X to criticize the Department of Government Efficiency, a frequent target of Democrats, particularly as Elon Musk and the DOGE team work with federal agencies to address government fraud and overspending. Buttigieg wrote, "Incompetence in Washington puts every American at risk, no matter how you voted. No one should be happy that the DOGE team – the same folks who randomly published classified U.S. security information online today – wants access to your bank account & Social Security numbers."

Carr quickly hit back at Buttigieg, questioning his credibility on the issue of government competence. "You worked for an Administration that got $42 billion to connect millions of Americans to the Internet," Carr wrote in his response. "1,163 days later, that Admin exited without connecting even 1 person & without turning even 1 shovel worth of dirt." He added, "If we need expertise in incompetence, we’ll reach out," accompanied by a peace sign emoji.

Implications of the Debate: Accountability and Governance

The exchange between Carr and Buttigieg highlights broader concerns about government accountability and the effectiveness of large-scale federal programs. While the BEAD program was intended to address a critical issue—the digital divide—its slow rollout has raised questions about how federal funds are being managed and whether the bureaucracy is stifling progress.

Carr has long been a critic of government inefficiency, particularly when it comes to initiatives aimed at expanding broadband access. His pointed criticism of the BEAD program has drawn attention to the need for greater accountability and streamlined processes in federal spending. On the other hand, Buttigieg’s concerns about the DOGE team and government efficiency reflect a growing debate over how to address fraud and overspending in federal agencies.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Challenge of Connecting America

The debate between Carr and Buttigieg underscores the challenges of implementing large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in the context of partisan politics and bureaucratic red tape. While the BEAD program was initially seen as a historic investment in America’s digital future, its slow progress has raised concerns about whether the funds will ultimately achieve their intended purpose.

As the nation continues to grapple with the digital divide, the effectiveness of programs like the BEAD initiative will remain a critical area of focus for policymakers, regulators, and the public alike. Carr’s criticism serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and efficiency in government spending, while Buttigieg’s concerns highlight the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and addressing fraud. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for millions of Americans waiting for access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet.