U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) on Aug. 3 proposed the U.S. Senate version of bipartisan legislation that would streamline national broadband resources across numerous federal agencies.
The Senate proposal is a companion bill to the ACCESS BROADBAND Act, which stands for Advancing Critical Connectivity Expands Service, Small Businesses Resources, Opportunities, Access, and Data Based on Assessed Need and Demand Act, H.R. 3994. U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) joined Sen. Gardner in introducing their chamber’s bill, S. 3346.
The bill would establish a single point of contact office to manage federal broadband resources and establish an updated process for small businesses and local economic developers to access those resources, the senators said in an Aug. 3 statement.
“This legislation will improve oversight of federal broadband programs and ensure that we’re spending money effectively to narrow the urban-rural digital divide,” said Sen. Gardner. “Avoiding overbuilding and streamlining grant application processes will help expand rural broadband and keep communities in rural Colorado and beyond connected to the world.”
Specifically, the enacted bill would require the U.S. Department of Commerce to establish the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, according to the congressional record summary of H.R. 3994.
The office would be authorized to connect with communities that need access to high-speed internet and improved digital inclusion efforts; conduct regional workshops to promote broadband access and adoption; develop broadband trainings and presentations targeted to various demographic communities, as well as related guidance publications on expanding broadband access and adoption; and track construction and use of federally funded broadband infrastructure, according to the summary.
“Nevadans rely on Internet access to enhance their education, acquire skills through training resources available online, and expand their business opportunities,” said Cortez Masto. “Better coordination between federal agencies and local governments to streamline broadband access will help ensure that every Nevadan will have the information and resources they need to gain the important benefits of Internet access while improving the transparency and oversight of federal dollars spent.”
The House on July 23 approved H.R. 3994 by voice vote. The Senate received the bill on July 24 and has referred it to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.