The U.S. Senate on June 18 unanimously approved bipartisan legislation offered by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to coordinate with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on collecting data for the Broadband Funding Map on a reasonable and timely basis.
The Modernization, Accountability, and Planning (MAP) for Broadband Funding Act, S. 2585, also would require information collection and reporting on the functionality and management of the map, which documents the location of each federally funded broadband project.
“I’ve spent years working to connect Nebraskans, and Americans across the country, with reliable internet access. The Broadband Funding Map is essential to that goal,” Sen. Fischer said. “This bill will help us make the most of broadband buildout while safeguarding taxpayer dollars. I’m committed to delivering this bill to the president’s desk.”
Specifically, S. 2585 would require the FCC to seek public comment on the functionality and transparency of the map, as well as on the quality and completeness of the data within the map, according to a Congressional Record bill summary.
Further, the Government Accountability Office would have to report on the management and use of the map, as well as the extent to which federal agencies are complying with obligations to submit information for the map, the summary says.
“It is past time every American had access to fast, reliable internet,” said U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), who cosponsored the bill in July 2025 with Sen. Fischer, the bill’s sponsor. “As funding continues to go out the door to connect our communities, this bipartisan, common-sense bill will help ensure that all federal agencies are working together to close the digital divide as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
The legislation now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.