Durbin, Duckworth, Kelly, Budzinski Call On Secretary Of Commerce To Finally Approve Illinois Bead Program Proposal, Allow Illinoisans To Connect To The Internet

Durbin, Duckworth, Kelly, Budzinski Call On Secretary Of Commerce To Finally Approve Illinois Bead Program Proposal, Allow Illinoisans To Connect To The Internet

The BEAD Program provides states with federal grants to help Americans afford high-speed internet access

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) led all Democratic members of the Illinois delegation in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick urging him to approve Illinois' Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Final Proposal immediately. While the Illinois Office of Broadband submitted its BEAD proposal in September 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce has yet to offer approval of the proposal, which would be the final step in allowing nearly 157,000 locations in Illinois to connect to the internet.

"As members of the Illinois Delegation, we are writing to express our strong support for the approval of the Illinois' Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Final Proposal," the lawmakers wrote. "Illinois' Final Proposal will use the $1.04 billion grant to connect 156,994 locations across the state, with more than 135,000 of those in rural, underserved areas. Within the state, 100% of the eligible locations will receive high-speed internet through a mix of technologies, all while staying in the budget. The State of Illinois has leveraged the BEAD grant to secure more than $575 million in private funding."

"In September 2025, the Illinois Office of Broadband submitted its BEAD Final Proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Following further conversation with NTIA in March 2026, the Illinois Office of Broadband worked expeditiously to submit revisions by early April. It is our understanding that your approval is the final step before these broadband projects can begin," the lawmakers continued their letter.

The lawmakers emphasized that these delays are preventing Illinoisans from accessing essential services, including health care.

"Farmers, schools, and businesses in Illinois are depending on these funds to enable critical services like precision agriculture, telemedicine, and workforce opportunities…The Illinois Office of Broadband and our offices stand ready to ensure that the goals of the program are met through Illinois' Final Proposal," the lawmakers wrote.

They concluded their letter by urging Secretary Lutnick to immediately approve the proposal.

"The Illinois Delegation urges your earlier consideration of Illinois' BEAD grant to unlock essential broadband access for households and businesses in Illinois," the lawmakers concluded their letter.

Joining Durbin, Duckworth, Kelly, and Budzinski in sending today's letter were U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), and Jesús "Chuy" García (D-IL-04).

In April, Durbin and Kelly introduced the Promoting Access to Broadband Act to help states increase awareness and enrollment in the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Lifeline Program, which provides monthly subsidy to help low-income households pay for their broadband and telephone service. Specifically, the legislation would establish a competitive grant program through the FCC that would allow states to inform eligible recipients of the Lifeline program.

Full text of the letter can be found here or below:

May 22, 2026

Dear Secretary Lutnick:

As members of the Illinois Delegation, we are writing to express our strong support for the approval of the Illinois' Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Final Proposal.

The BEAD Program provides states with federal grants to ensure that every American has access to high-speed internet. Illinois' Final Proposal will use the $1.04 billion grant to connect 156,994 locations across the state, with more than 135,000 of those in rural, underserved areas. Within the state, 100% of the eligible locations will receive high-speed internet through a mix of technologies, all while staying in the budget. The State of Illinois has leveraged the BEAD grant to secure more than $575 million in private funding.

In September 2025, the Illinois Office of Broadband submitted its BEAD Final Proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Following further conversation with NTIA in March 2026, the Illinois Office of Broadband worked expeditiously to submit revisions by early April. It is our understanding that your approval is the final step before these broadband projects can begin.

Farmers, schools, and businesses in Illinois are depending on these funds to enable critical services like precision agriculture, telemedicine, and workforce opportunities. We recognize the U.S. Department of Commerce's dedication to the BEAD Program and ensuring that Illinoisians receive high quality, affordable internet. The Illinois Office of Broadband and our offices stand ready to ensure that the goals of the program are met through Illinois' Final Proposal.

The Illinois Delegation urges your earlier consideration of Illinois' BEAD grant to unlock essential broadband access for households and businesses in Illinois. We appreciate your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

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