Republican senators criticize VP Harris for delayed $42bn rural broadband program due to focus on partisan mandates and gov-owned networks, with no connections made in 1k days.

Republican senators, including John Thune and Ted Cruz, have criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for mismanaging the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which aims to expand internet access in rural areas. They allege that her focus on partisan mandates and government-owned networks has delayed efforts, leaving millions without service. Despite the significant funding, no connections have been made in over 1,000 days, prompting calls for transparency on fund usage.