Technology (Broadband Access)

passed · United States · House Mar 25, 2026

HR 2474: Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act

Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report to Congress on the Appalachian Regional Commission’s capability to incorporate low-orbit satellites in broadband projects. Specifically, the study must review and analyze the capacity and cost-effectiveness of using satellite broadband service for business purposes and economic development.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly studies satellite broadband expansion to improve internet access in Appalachia, directly advancing technology infrastructure access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · United States · House Feb 24, 2025

HR 1541: Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act

This bill exempts certain wireless infrastructure projects from standard environmental and historic preservation reviews. It removes requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) for projects involving mounting or modifying existing wireless facilities (like cell towers or antennas) that require federal approval. The exemption applies directly to wireless providers seeking permits for these installations, streamlining the approval process with state, local, or tribal governments. This change aims to accelerate deployment of wireless broadband infrastructure by reducing regulatory hurdles.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts wireless infrastructure from NEPA/NHPA environmental reviews, weakening regulatory oversight for projects involving cell towers/antennas.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyStreamlines wireless infrastructure approvals, removing NEPA/NHPA barriers to accelerate broadband deployment and expand internet access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · United States · House Sep 15, 2025

HR 5358: TRUSTED Broadband Networks Act

This bill exempts certain broadband network projects from federal environmental (NEPA) and historic preservation (NHPA) review requirements. It directly affects projects replacing "covered communications equipment" (like equipment deemed insecure under existing law) with secure alternatives. The key mechanism removes the need for federal environmental reviews or historic preservation assessments when replacing banned equipment. This streamlines the process for deploying secure broadband infrastructure by bypassing these review steps for qualifying projects. The policy change specifically targets faster replacement of insecure equipment without altering security standards.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts broadband projects from NEPA environmental reviews, removing regulatory barriers that protect ecosystems and natural resources during infrastructure deployment.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRemoves regulatory barriers for replacing insecure broadband equipment with secure alternatives, directly advancing cybersecurity infrastructure deployment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · United States · House May 6, 2025

HR 3212: LAST ACRE Act of 2025

This bill establishes the Last Acre Program to provide grants and loans to broadband providers to deliver high-speed internet (minimum 100 Mbps downstream, 20 Mbps upstream) to agricultural land that is unserved or underserved. It directly affects farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers on eligible land (including cropland, grassland, and farm sites) who lack sufficient broadband access, with priority for limited resource farmers and ranchers. The program requires providers to meet cybersecurity standards, use a competitive bidding process to determine recipients, and prioritize remote areas and unserved land, with $20 million authorized annually from 2026-2030. It also mandates the National Agricultural Statistics Service to collect detailed broadband usage data through updated agricultural surveys.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill funds broadband expansion to unserved agricultural areas with minimum speed requirements, directly advancing internet access for underserved communities.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Cybersecurity Telecommunications Tags Rural Communities

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in committee · United States · Senate Feb 10, 2026

S 3249: Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026

The Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026 aims to protect critical subsea fiber-optic cables that form the backbone of global internet infrastructure. It requires the U.S. government to increase engagement in international bodies like the International Cable Protection Committee, establish an interagency committee for coordination, and impose sanctions on foreign entities damaging cables. The bill mandates annual reports on Chinese and Russian cable activities, strengthens information sharing between government and private cable owners, and creates new reporting requirements for U.S. agencies. These provisions directly affect U.S. government agencies, private cable companies, and foreign entities that might threaten cable security. The act focuses on enhancing the security, resilience, and protection of subsea cable networks that are vital for global communications.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProtects critical internet infrastructure (subsea cables), ensuring reliable global connectivity and cybersecurity as core components of technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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in committee · United States · House Mar 5, 2025

HR 1873: Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act

HR 1873, the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act, excludes certain federal broadband grants from taxable income for recipients. It directly affects entities (like internet providers or local governments) receiving qualifying grants under specific programs, including the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program and State Digital Equity Capacity Grants established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill prevents double tax benefits by disallowing deductions for expenses covered by these excluded grants and reduces the adjusted basis of related property. This change applies to grants received in taxable years ending after March 11, 2023.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExcludes federal broadband grants from taxable income, providing tax relief to recipients and preventing double taxation on public infrastructure funding.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enables tax-free broadband grants for entities supporting digital equity programs, directly enhancing educational access and infrastructure for schools under Infrastructure Act provisions.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExcludes broadband grants from taxable income, reducing financial barriers for providers and local governments deploying infrastructure, directly expanding internet access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Incentives Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · United States · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 3565: SUCCESS for BEAD Act

The SUCCESS for BEAD Act (S 3565) modifies how leftover funds from the federal BEAD broadband program can be used. It requires eligible entities to establish a competitive subgrant program using remaining funds for public safety (including Next Generation 9-1-1 systems), workforce development in telecommunications and AI sectors, and AI-supportive infrastructure projects. The bill specifies priorities for underserved areas, military installations, and cybersecurity, while including a public challenge process to prevent overbuilding of fiber infrastructure. It also establishes requirements for coordination with emergency communications centers for Next Generation 9-1-1 implementation.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill allocates funds for workforce development in telecom/AI sectors, directly advancing employment training and job creation in emerging industries.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyDirects leftover BEAD funds to AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, and broadband access in underserved areas, promoting tech development and digital equity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development Artificial Intelligence Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · United States · House Jan 30, 2026

HR 7302: Digital Literacy and Equity Act of 2026

The Digital Literacy and Equity Act of 2026 establishes a federal commission to study digital literacy and equity in the United States, with specific focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities as defined in the bill. The commission will examine current federal, state, and local programs; review international initiatives; and identify best practices to improve digital literacy skills, particularly through early education and community outreach. Within two years, the commission must submit a report to Congress with findings and recommendations, including strategies to expand digital literacy access in underserved areas and a proposed national measurement method for digital literacy. This bill creates a study framework but does not mandate immediate policy changes or funding.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes commission to study digital literacy/equity for disadvantaged communities, focusing on early education and community outreach to identify best practices for improving digital literacy skills, directly supporting educational access...85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes commission to study and improve digital literacy/equity in underserved communities, directly promoting equitable access to technology through education and outreach.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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in committee · United States · House Mar 5, 2025

HR 1870: SPEED for BEAD Act

The SPEED for BEAD Act (HR 1870) amends the federal broadband deployment program (BEAD) to accelerate network expansion. It defines "gigabit-level broadband" as 1,000 Mbps download speeds, requires unused funds to be returned to the Treasury instead of reallocated, and allows states to remove high-cost locations from project areas. The bill prohibits grant conditions related to labor practices (e.g., union requirements), diversity initiatives, climate policies, or network management rules, while ensuring all broadband technologies meeting speed standards are eligible. It also explicitly bans government regulation of broadband pricing, directly affecting states administering BEAD funds and the internet providers they fund.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentProhibits climate policy conditions in broadband grants, blocking environmental requirements from being applied to BEAD program.90% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentProhibits grant conditions related to labor practices (e.g., union requirements), restricting worker protections tied to broadband funding.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAccelerates broadband deployment to expand internet access, directly advancing technology infrastructure policy as defined in the topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Collective Bargaining Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · United States · House Jan 16, 2026

HRES 1008: Recognizing and expressing support for the Iranian people protesting for a free and democratic Iran.

This symbolic resolution expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Iranian protesters demanding democracy and human rights. It condemns the Iranian regime's violent suppression of demonstrations, calls for the release of political prisoners, and urges expanded internet access for Iranian citizens. The resolution specifically demands an end to regime violence, recognizes the Iranian people's right to free elections, and asks the U.S. government to coordinate with allies on deterring further brutality. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally states congressional support for the protesters' cause.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly urges 'expanded internet access for Iranian citizens' as a key demand, directly aligning with the 'expands internet access' SUPPORT indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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