By Kevin Donnelly, VP of Government Affairs, Technology and Strategic Initiatives, NMHC
Kevin Donnelly is Vice President, Government Affairs, Technology and Strategic Initiatives, with responsibility for representing the interests of the multifamily industry before Congress and federal agencies
Advocacy in Action
On July 10 and 11, NMHC brought leaders from across the rental housing industry to meet directly with several key members of Congress and FCC Commissioners. Representing the industry were:
- Sharon Wilson Géno, President, NMHC
- Bob Pinnegar, President and CEO, National Apartment Association
- Linda Willey, VP of Business Services, Camden Property Trust and Chair of NMHC’s Intelligent Buildings and Connectivity Committee
- Michelle Norris, Principal, N-Sights Consulting and former Executive Vice President, National Church Residences
- Mike Smith, President and CEO, WhiteSpace Building Technology Advisors
- Matt Ames, Partner at Hubacher, Ames & Taylor Matt Ames
The NMHC-led group met with all five FCC Commission offices, including meetings with Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioner Gomez, Commissioner Starks and the staff of Commissioners Carr and Simington. In addition, as part of its advocacy efforts, the NMHC-led group met with key Congressional leaders and offices. These meetings centered on the pro-consumer and pro-competition nature of bulk billing arrangements, and the negative impact that elimination or restriction would have on accessibility and affordability of broadband for millions of renters.
NMHC Weighs in Again with Congress
On July 9, all five commissioners of the FCC testified before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology regarding the Commission's budget request for the next year. NMHC used the hearing as an opportunity to again outline serious concerns regarding the FCC’s proposal to ban or restrict bulk internet billing.
Many of the concerns expressed by NMHC in its letter to the Committee in advance of the hearing were echoed by members of the Subcommittee during Tuesday’s hearing. Specifically, Representatives Kelly (D-IL) and Bilirakis (R-FL) underscored the potential for harm in moving forward with a ban or restriction on bulk billing, including rising costs for consumers and limited access to the internet for seniors and those living on fixed income.
What’s Next
NMHC strongly opposes the FCC’s attempt to restrict bulk internet billing agreements and will continue to press policymakers to avoid harming the multifamily broadband market and its residents. While it remains unclear how or when the FCC may move forward with a proposal on bulk billing, NMHC will continue to work with members and policymakers to ensure FCC policies do no harm to accessibility, affordability and deployment of broadband service across the rental housing market.
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