Delaney to hold Rural Broadband Panel Discussion; Criticizes Hidden AI Moratorium in Broadband Bill

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney is calling on Western Maryland residents to join a June 23 panel on rural broadband expansion—just weeks after she condemned a Senate Republican provision that would force states to shelve all AI regulations in order to tap federal broadband funds. The event offers locals a direct line to policymakers and experts, while Delaney warns that the “hidden” moratorium threatens both children’s safety and small-business livelihoods across the region.

The free panel will run from 1:00 to 2:30 PM ET on June 23 at the Libertytown Volunteer Fire Company, 12027 South Street in Libertytown, Maryland. Hosted by Delaney in her role as Chair of the New Dem Broadband Task Force and the New Dem Rural Revitalization Working Group, the discussion will convene national and local stakeholders, Members of Congress, and industry leaders. Attendees will hear solutions for closing infrastructure gaps, improving affordability, bolstering digital literacy, and safeguarding communities—then have the chance to pose their own questions to the experts. Registration is required via Eventbrite.

On June 8, Delaney publicly denounced the inclusion of an AI-moratorium rider tucked into the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding bill. She charged that Senate Republicans are “forcing states to choose between expanding essential broadband infrastructure and protecting their residents—especially children and small businesses—from the growing and so far largely unchecked risks of artificial intelligence.” Before joining Congress, Delaney served at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and championed children’s online safety for Common Sense Media.

Delaney warned that the moratorium would bar states from enacting any AI regulations—exposing families to harmful or misleading AI-generated content and opening the door to unregulated copyright infringement that could devastate local creators. “This provision undermines the very purpose of the BEAD program,” she said, stressing that broadband dollars were intended to support jobs, healthcare and education in underserved areas—not to grant tech giants a free pass. She urged Senate leaders to strip the rider and handle AI policy through a standalone, transparent bill that prioritizes public safety and economic security.

Residents are encouraged to RSVP now, share the invitation with neighbors, and prepare to engage in shaping the digital future of their communities. RSVP is required to attend the event.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from press releases issued by Congresswoman April McClain Delaney

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