After Donald Trump’s administration rescinded approval for Nevada to use $400 million in funding under theBroadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to achieve universal high speed internet in the state, his extreme U.S. Attorney pick for Nevada, Sigal Chattah, grossly attacked the funding in an unhinged tweet. After first attempting to take credit for Middle Mile, a program to expand broadband to rural areas with  federal dollars passed and signed into law by Democrats, Joe Lombardo is now refusing to stand up to Trump to fight for the very programs he once tried to claim credit for. Nevada now faces a loss of good-paying jobs and expanded internet access for rural communities.  

At the time of its announcement, Lombardo said that the Middle Mile project “will enhance internet connectivity across Nevada.” A report released by the Nevada Current revealed that before Lombardo attempted to claim credit for Middle Mile, he hypocritically criticized investments made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - which funded Middle Mile. 

Senator Jacky Rosen, who helped create BEAD, is standing up for Middle Mile even though Lombardo won’t. She pledged to put a hold on all Commerce Department officials until Nevada’s investment is guaranteed. 

Nevada State Democratic Party Executive Director Hilary Barrett: 

“Throughout his term in office, Joe Lombardo has attempted to take credit for projects like expanding broadband access that are funded by federal Democrats, but refuses to stand up to Donald Trump as he defunds those same projects. Now, as members of Trump’s administration attack the very funding Lombardo has tried to take credit for, he shows himself to be just another spineless politician who will do and say anything to get reelected - including caving to Trump as he cuts funding for job-creating projects in Nevada.”