Streamlining Federal Broadband Funding: Faster Internet, Less Waste.
This law aims to organize and coordinate US government programs that fund high-speed internet access across 15 different federal agencies. The goal is to ensure public funds are spent efficiently, preventing duplication of efforts and avoiding funding areas already served. Citizens in underserved regions should see streamlined permitting processes for infrastructure on federal lands.
Key points
Requires the creation of a National Strategy to synchronize broadband funding efforts across 15 federal agencies (including USDA, Treasury, Education).
Requires a plan to prohibit funding new broadband infrastructure in areas already identified as served or where deployment is already obligated under existing programs.
Mandates tracking and improvement of processing times for permits and rights-of-way needed to install broadband infrastructure on federal lands.
Establishes accountability measures and consistent reporting requirements to prevent fraud, waste, and duplication in federal broadband programs.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_323
Sponsor: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Process start date: 2025-01-29