On July 31, U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced a bipartisan bill that would modernize and improve the government’s Broadband Funding Map in order to promote the most efficient use of federal funds for broadband deployment.
“It is clear oversight is needed here to ensure all federal agencies are utilizing the map to its full potential,” Sen. Fischer said. “I won’t relent in my efforts to expand Internet connectivity for those who lack access — this is a critical step in that mission.”
Sen. Fischer sponsored the Modernization, Accountability, and Planning for Broadband Funding Act, S. 2585, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NE).
If enacted, S. 2585 would provide oversight of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC’s) Broadband Funding Map to ensure it is functioning effectively for the public, federal agencies, and broadband providers.
Specifically, the bill would direct the FCC to conduct a Notice of Inquiry on the map’s function and data it displays for maximum usability, assessing any necessary updates from a user-experience perspective.
S.2585 also would direct the Government Accountability Office to evaluate how well federal agencies are populating the map in compliance with current law, identifying any gaps in reporting for its optimum functionality, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Fischer’s office.
“As we work to expand broadband access across the country, it’s critical that we do it with as much transparency, accountability, and coordination as possible,” said Sen. Cortez Masto. “Reliable access to the internet is already so important for people to work and take care of their everyday tasks. Congress must ensure we continue to expand its access efficiently.”
USTelecom and CostQuest Associates endorsed the measure, which is under consideration by the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
Sens. Fischer and Cortez Masto originally created the Broadband Funding Map in 2021 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.