H.R. 9144 aims to allow public housing authorities to include reasonable costs for high-speed internet service when calculating utility allowances for families living in public housing. This means that families could receive additional financial support to help cover the costs of internet access, recognizing its importance for education, employment, and connectivity.
Supporters of H.R. 9144 have praised the bill for acknowledging the essential role of high-speed internet in modern life, especially for low-income families. Advocates argue that by including internet costs in utility allowances, the bill promotes digital equity and helps bridge the digital divide, ensuring that all families have access to necessary online resources.
Critics of H.R. 9144 have raised concerns about the potential financial burden on public housing authorities. Some argue that including internet costs in utility allowances could complicate funding and budgeting processes, diverting resources away from other critical services. Additionally, there are worries that the bill may not adequately address the quality or affordability of internet service itself.
While there are no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor's top donor industries and the subject matter of H.R. 9144, there is significant lobbying activity from major tech companies such as Alibaba Group and Tencent America, which have invested substantial amounts in lobbying efforts related to high-speed internet services. Tencent America has contributed $200,000 and Alibaba Group $80,000 through various lobbying firms. This raises concerns about potential influence on the bill's provisions, particularly as these companies could benefit from increased public housing internet allowances. Voters should be aware of these financial ties, as they may indicate a prioritization of corporate interests over public welfare in legislative decisions.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| TENCENT AMERICA, LLC | BROWNSTEIN HYATT FARBER SCHRECK, LLP | $200,000 |
| ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED | BROWNSTEIN HYATT FARBER SCHRECK, LLP | $80,000 |
| B&H FOTO & ELECTRONICS CORP | STONINGTON GLOBAL | $75,000 |
| CTIA-THE WIRELESS ASSOCIATION | MINTZ LEVIN COHN FERRIS GLOVSKY AND POPEO, P.C. | $60,000 |
| NORTH AMERICAN RESCUE, LLC | NORTH AMERICAN RESCUE, LLC | $10,000 |
| SULLIVAN STRATEGIES OBO ODOT | COLUMBIA STRATEGIC COUNSEL | $10,000 |
| ACT FOR AMERICA | ACT FOR AMERICA | $10,000 |
| ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED | MERCURY PUBLIC AFFAIRS, LLC | undisclosed |
| TENCENT AMERICA LLC | MERCURY PUBLIC AFFAIRS, LLC | undisclosed |
| XTAR LLC | THE MADISON GROUP | undisclosed |
| ALLERGY & ASTHMA NETWORK | ALLERGY & ASTHMA NETWORK | undisclosed |
| ARDMORE CONSULTING GROUP, INC | BRADLEY ARANT BOULT CUMMINGS LLP | undisclosed |
| T-MOBILE USA, INC. | ALPINE ADVISORS | undisclosed |
| AXON ENTERPRISE, INC. | ALPINE GROUP PARTNERS, LLC. | undisclosed |
| PLAYPOWER, INC. | MILLER STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Bill Foster, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
