Deb Fischer: “I view broadband as essential infrastructure. It is an investment in our country. It is an investment in the future.”

I am optimistic that we can continue raising bipartisan, bicameral support for this bill.

Today we are here to learn about the nomination process in the United States Senate, changes to the process, over time, and what, if any, changes may improve that process.

I thank Secretary Brooke Rollins and Undersecretary Scott Hutchins for recognizing the importance of funding this facility.

When we look at the reform that took place in 2011, that has been brought up a couple of time here, did any of those changes result in any meaningful change at the pace we are doing nominations currently in the Senate?