WASHINGTON, DC - House Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) today expressed disappointment following the release of the Department of Commerce Inspector General report on FirstNet’s management and financial decision-making. FirstNet is an independent entity within NTIA tasked with building and operating a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network.
“Unfortunately, the Inspector General’s report confirms what we have suspected and long feared - that FirstNet had been operating without proper processes and with disregard for laws that guard against impropriety. Questions of ethics threaten the legitimacy of FirstNet’s efforts and ultimately undermine its important mission to build a nationwide public safety broadband network. We will continue our thoughtful oversight and hold additional hearings early next year and expect to see significant progress in implementing the Inspector General’s recommendations."
