Why It Matters

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) filed its quarter two lobbying disclosure on Tuesday, July 21, reporting $431,000 in expenditures as the union continues its push on labor and infrastructure issues.

The filing lands as CWA has also been pressing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to make Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment performance-testing results public, a move the union says would improve accountability for federally funded broadband buildouts. The union has signaled concerns about legislation it views as harmful to workers and infrastructure investment, particularly efforts to phase out clean energy manufacturing incentives.

Broader Context

CWA has raised concerns about several pieces of legislation, particularly H.R. 1. According to the union's Congressional Scorecard, the bill phases out incentives for domestic clean energy manufacturing jobs, puts rural health care access at risk, and proposes auctioning off public spectrum to fund permanent tax breaks for the wealthy. CWA also argues the legislation fails to address rising costs or stagnant wages.

CWA’s July 14 letter to NTIA said the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program requires subgrantees to meet speed, latency, and performance-testing standards. In its letter, CWA said public performance data would help communities, workers, and policymakers judge whether providers are delivering the service promised in exchange for public dollars. CWA also tied that request to broader concerns about whether some providers can meet their commitments, including reports that Amazon LEO has withdrawn from some awarded locations or renegotiated terms in multiple states.

The union's quarter two lobbying team included Government Affairs Directors Dan Mauer and Steve Schembs, alongside Deputy Legislative Director Elena Lopez and Legislative Adviser Ty Marino. Mauer brings prior Hill experience from his time working with former Rep. George Miller (D-CA) and Rep. Al Green (D-TX).

The Bottom Line

CWA’s second-quarter filing shows a union using its lobbying operation to defend worker interests while widening its broadband agenda to include transparency and oversight of the BEAD rollout.

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