Legislative Update July 2026: News from Trenton & Washington and FCC Legislation Changes

by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair

Update on the opposition to The American Broadband Deployment Act (H.R. 2289)

For many months, we have kept everyone informed about the American Broadband Deployment Act (H.R. 2289). If passed, this act would give telecommunication conglomerates de facto power over local zoning laws without providing public safety protections for construction of “deemed granted” facilities. Sites will be constructed without any further action by or notice to the local government.

From NATOA (The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors):

At last month’s U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting, a resolution was adopted that urges Congress to reject the American Broadband Deployment Act by warning that the legislation would limit local oversight of broadband deployment and public rights-of-way.

They approved Resolution No. 39, expressing strong opposition to the American Broadband Deployment Act, H.R. 2289 and related Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposals that the conference says would preempt local authority over public rights-of-way, zoning, and telecommunications infrastructure.

This Annual Meeting is one of two major meetings of the United States Conference of Mayors each year. The primary purpose of this meeting is to adopt policy resolutions that guide the organization’s advocacy work.

2026 Resolutions of the USCM in the fields of Technology and Innovation include:

A Resolution Expressing Strong Opposition to Federal Preemption of Local Authority for the Benefit of the Telecommunications Industry, Resolution Number 39.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors strongly opposes H.R. 2289 and urges all members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to oppose the legislation or any similar preemption proposal as an unnecessary and unconstitutional taking of local property rights.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors thanks Representative Pallone for his leadership in support of local control and opposition to H.R. 2289 and all those members, Democrat and Republican, that stood with Mr. Pallone in protecting local governments’ police powers and property rights.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors reaffirms its opposition to the proposed actions in the FCC’s two broadband dockets, and calls on the Commissions to refrain from taking actions, the authority for which was not delegated by Congress to the Commissions, and even were the power delegated, the actions proposed by the Commissions would result in an unconditional taking of local governments’ rights.

Sponsored by: Brian Wahler (Piscataway, NJ); Angela Birney (Redmond, WA); Connie Boesen (Des Moines, IA); J. Christian Bollwage (Elizabeth, NJ); Leirion Gaylor Baird (Lincoln, NE); Anne Marie Graham-Hudak (Charter Township of Canton, MI); Christina Muryn (Findlay, OH); Michael Owens (Mableton, GA); Satya Rhodes-Conway (Madison, WI); Daniel Rickenmann (Columbia, SC); Jim Ross (Arlington, TX); Keith Wilson (Portland, OR) and Michelle Wu (Boston, MA)

Representative Thomas Kean Jr’s explanation for his lengthy absence.

For many months, constituents of New Jersey’s 7th District (as well as the entire state) wondered what had happened to Representative Tom Kean Jr. He was absent for countless votes with no explanation on his whereabouts. On July 1, we learned the reason behind his absence when Rep. Kean returned and addressed everyone on the House floor with the following speech:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today with deep gratitude for the patience, the kindness, the prayers, and the concern that have been shown to me and my family over the course of the last several months.

This is not an easy speech for me to give. I am a private person by nature, and I have spent most of my life talking about the people that I represent, the issues facing our communities, and the work that continues to be done. Talking about myself has never come naturally, but I believe that I owe an explanation to the people of New Jersey’s 7th District, to my colleagues in this chamber, and to the American people for my absence.

Several months ago, due to health concerns, I entered the hospital for some testing. I did not believe that this would result in a long-term stay. I was given the diagnosis of depression.

Now, when people hear the word depression, many people think simply means feeling sad. But depression is so much more than that. It is physical. It is emotional. And until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be.

The doctors recommended that I remain in the hospital to address my illness. They explained to me that this would be the fastest way to recovery. And to be honest, I was hesitant. I didn’t think that I had time for it. I had responsibilities to my family. I had responsibilities to my constituents. I had responsibilities to this institution.

And like many people, I believed that I could simply push through. But I agreed to follow my doctor’s recommendations. Again, not believing that would result in a long-term stay. I began to understand not only my diagnosis, but how long depression had been affecting my life.

When I first informed the public that I was dealing with a medical issue, I was still trying to understand what was happening myself. When I said I hope to return in a matter of weeks, I believed it. Those were the best estimates that the doctors could provide.

But as the over 48 million of my fellow Americans being treated for this illness have come to discover, there is no timeline for healing. There is no timeline for recovery. Only the work of getting better one day at a time.

Today, I am grateful that I listened to my doctors. And I am grateful for the exceptional care that I have received from doctors, nurses, and support staff. I am grateful that I accepted help.

Because today I stand before you healthier, stronger, and excited to return to the work that I love. I’ve always been a supporter of mental health care. During my time in the New Jersey legislature, I worked to advance mental health parity. I believed in the cause then, and I understand it in a far more personal way now.

This experience has given me a deeper appreciation for the millions of Americans who face these challenges each and every day. Many do so quietly. Many do so alone. Many do so while carrying burdens that the rest of us never see.

And to them, I would say, asking for help is not a weakness. It is a strength. To my constituents, Thank you. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your understanding. Thank you for your prayers. And thank you for allowing me the honor of serving you.

I also want to thank my staff, who worked tirelessly to ensure that our office continued serving constituents every day during my absence. And most importantly, I want to thank my family, whose love whose support and whose faith carried me through some very difficult days.

This is not a partisan issue. It touches every community, every family, and every corner of this country. If sharing my story encourages even one person to seek help, if it gives one family the courage to have a difficult conversation, or if it reminds one person that recovery is possible, then this moment will have been worthwhile.

I am grateful to be back with the full support of my doctors. I’m grateful to be healthy. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of New Jersey’s 7th congressional district. Thank you. May God bless the people of New Jersey and may God bless the United States of America.”

Depression affects a person’s whole body and mind. It can drain your energy and make daily tasks difficult. Sleep and eating habits can change and it can cause real physical aches. We at JAG welcome Rep. Kean back to Congress and extend our wishes and support for his recovery.