House Concurrent Resolution No. by Representative Deshotel calls on the United States Congress to promptly release funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. This program, established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to address the digital divide by investing over one billion dollars in broadband expansion for unserved and underserved areas in Louisiana. The resolution emphasizes the importance of equitable access to high-speed broadband for the health, education, and economic prosperity of Louisiana's citizens and communities. It highlights that Louisiana has developed a comprehensive broadband action plan and is ready to deploy the necessary infrastructure, with contractors and skilled workers prepared to begin work immediately.

The resolution expresses concern that delays in releasing BEAD funds are negatively impacting Louisiana's broadband companies, construction firms, and the overall economy, jeopardizing job creation and essential public services. It asserts the state's compliance with federal requirements and urges the United States Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to act swiftly to release the funds. The resolution concludes by affirming the Louisiana Legislature's support for this initiative and calls for immediate federal action to ensure that the intended benefits of the BEAD Program are realized for Louisiana's workers, families, and businesses.