Seamus Dowdall
Senior Legislative Director, Telecommunications & Technology | Veterans and Military Services
About Seamus Dowdall
Seamus is the senior legislative director for telecommunications & technology and veterans & military services on NACo's government affairs team. Seamus also serves as the staff liaison to NACo's Telecommunications & Technology Policy Steering Committee, Veterans & Military Services Advisory Council, International Economic Development Innovation Council and Midsize County Caucus. Seamus advocates directly to federal partners in the Administration and on Capitol Hill to advance policy priorities on issues including broadband deployment and accessibility, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, as well as key issues for the nation's veterans community. Seamus previously worked for POLITICO as an accounts manager for state news bureaus. Seamus received his Bachelor's Degree from Bucknell University, and Masters Degree from American University.
House passes Major Richard Star Act
On November 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102) by a vote of 392-18. This bill allows veterans with a combat-related disabilities to receive retirement pay, without reduction, concurrently with their disability compensation.
FCC considers preemption of local authorities in broadband permitting process
Counties are partners in broadband deployment efforts – not barriers – and pursuing one-size-fits-all regulations will further burden progress towards closing the digital divide
NTIA announces planned use of portion of remaining BEAD funds
The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program is deploying over $40 billion in funding to close the digital divide.
NACo sends letter to Congressional leadership asking them to reauthorize or extend key programs
NACo sends letter to Congressional leadership asking them to prioritize reauthorizing or extending key programs for counties ahead of September deadline