WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss. and Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V. introduced the Supporting U.S. Critical Connectivity and Economic Strategy and Security for BEAD Act (SUCCESS for BEAD Act). This legislation would authorize states to use remaining funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program for projects that support state’s deployment plan by enhancing public safety, improving network resiliency, strengthening national security, and developing a qualified workforce for emerging technologies. The overarching goal is to advance digital infrastructure readiness and sustain U.S. leadership in innovation by providing clear guardrails for the eligible uses of the remaining funds.

“This bill is the next phase of target broadband projects in America’s heartland. Reliable connectivity is necessary to improve public safety, national security, telehealth care, education, and economic development. The United States has seen success in developing AI and emerging technologies. These projects would help our rural Mississippi communities participate in these successes. Local leaders know best how to utilize these funds. We should give them the flexibility to ensure these federal investments provide adequate connection for every Mississippian as soon as possible,” said Senator Wicker.

“West Virginians understand that strong, resilient broadband is essential to so many things. As states finalize their BEAD deployment plans, many will have remaining resources that can and should be put to work supporting long-term success of these networks. I’m glad to team up with Senator Wicker to introduce this legislation, which provides clear guidance so states can invest these leftover dollars responsibly in areas like network resiliency, national security, public safety, and more,” said Senator Capito.

For full legislative text, click here.

For a section by section of the SUCCESS for BEAD Act, click here.

Background:

As the National Information and Telecommunications Administration continues approving states’ final deployment proposals, it is anticipated that many states will be left with a significant remaining balance from their original BEAD allocations. Current estimates show roughly $20 to $22 billion in total across all 56 eligible entities. This legislation would serve as a “Part II” to the BEAD program following the approval of state deployment plans and would establish clear parameters and guidance for the permissible use of remaining, already obligated funds to ensure the success of the BEAD program.

Stakeholder Quotes: 

“The SUCCESS for BEAD Act is a timely, pragmatic proposal that helps ensure every non-deployment federal BEAD dollar delivers the greatest possible benefit for the American people. Once a state completes its deployment plan, any remaining funds should be put to work advancing the security, resilience, and long-term performance of our communications networks—especially as connectivity becomes more central to public safety, economic growth, and U.S. technology leadership. We look forward to working with Senators Wicker and Capito and all of Congress to advance this important legislation and ensure non-deployment BEAD dollars result in more secure, resilient, and reliable networks for decades to come,” said Jonathan Spalter, President & CEO, USTelecom - The Broadband Association.

“The SUCCESS for BEAD Act is important and timely legislation because it would use BEAD funding to further propel American connectivity.  With its infrastructure focus – to close mobile broadband gaps and augment workforce training programs – it takes advantage of the Benefit of the Bargain round’s significant savings to improve rural access.  WIA appreciates Senators Wicker and Capito for putting this bill forward," said Patrick Halley, President and CEO, Wireless Infrastructure Association.

“CCA applauds Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) for leading the introduction of the ‘Supporting U.S. Critical Connectivity and Economic Strategy and Security for BEAD Act’ or the ‘SUCCESS for BEAD Act.’ Prioritizing investment of “non-deployment” funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program on initiatives such as mobile and fixed wireless connectivity will complement and enhance current investments from the BEAD program and ensure maximum impact toward closing the digital divide. Directing the remaining funds toward advanced wireless networks is the fastest and most effective way to progress ubiquitous connectivity – especially in rural America, where these networks are an important part of the path to meaningful broadband access. Strengthening and improving these networks expands opportunities to access education, telehealth, commerce, and public safety as well as cutting-edge technologies including AI and precision agriculture in the communities that need them most. Congress appropriated these funds specifically to expand connectivity and putting them to work expanding and enhancing wireless networks, as well as by providing support for critical workforce personnel and ensuring accountability with resources for data mapping policies, stays true to BEAD’s original goals," said Tim Donovan, President and CEO of Competitive Carriers Association.

"All consumers and businesses need trusted broadband connectivity. And as the economy becomes more reliant on new technologies such as AI, we should remember that there is no AI without broadband. To lead in AI, we need universal, secure connectivity, and that starts with robust broadband networks. Underlying our strategic competitiveness is building a skilled workforce in each state and locale.  By investing in trusted, high quality broadband and building a skilled workforce, we drive innovation across every sector - from defense to education to healthcare to manufacturing- we boost U.S. competitiveness, improve cybersecurity and close the connectivity gap," said Dave Stehlin, Telecommunications Industry Association CEO. 

"The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) applauds Senator Wicker (R-MS) and Senator Capito (R-WV) for introducing the SUCCESS for BEAD Act—legislation that recognizes the importance of ensuring remaining BEAD funds are used to strengthen and sustain broadband deployment projects critical to America’s economic leadership in the digital age. By directing these funds toward high-capacity BEAD compliant Build America, Buy America fiber infrastructure, resources to accelerate and streamline permitting, and targeted workforce development, this bill supports resilient, future-ready networks and reinforces the domestic workforce and supply chains needed to deploy them. Importantly, the bill explicitly connects advanced telecommunications infrastructure and workforce capacity to the deployment and scaling of AI technologies—positioning fiber networks as the backbone of AI-driven innovation, productivity, public safety, and long-term economic competitiveness. By prioritizing projects in unserved and underserved areas, including rural and Tribal communities, the legislation helps unlock new opportunities for high-quality jobs, advanced education, telehealth, precision agriculture, and next-generation industries—ensuring that rural America is not left behind, but empowered as a full participant in America’s economic future," said Gary Bolton, President & CEO, Fiber Broadband Association.