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. In this role, Seamus serves as the liaison to NACo's Telecommunications & Technology Policy Steering Committee and Veterans & Military Services Advisory Council. 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.
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
White House Signs Executive Order on Increased Cybersecurity Defense for AI
The White House EO directs multiple federal agencies to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and improve the secure deployment of advanced AI technologies.
USDA announces $44 million in rural broadband connectivity grant opportunities for FY 2026
On May 13, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced available grant funding under the Community Connect Grant Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. Earlier this month, USDA also released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program for FY 2026. In total, $44 million is available in financial assistance between these two programs.
