Technology (Broadband Access)

in committee · United States · House Dec 3, 2025

HR 6046: Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act

This bill streamlines the process for broadband providers to install facilities in public rights-of-way near rail corridors and on railroad property. It requires providers to notify railroads when placing facilities in intersecting areas (with specific details) and to submit formal applications for railroad rights-of-way, including engineering plans and safety details. Railroads can only deny applications for safety reasons (like infrastructure damage or passenger risk) and must charge providers only for actual safety-related costs. Disputes over approvals or fees are resolved by the FCC within 90 days, with railroads and providers required to follow safety standards and industry guidelines. The law aims to balance broadband expansion with railroad safety and operational needs.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyStreamlines broadband infrastructure deployment near rail corridors, facilitating expanded internet access - directly aligns with 'expands internet access' indicator.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · United States · House Sep 10, 2025

HR 5266: 5G UPGRADE Act of 2025

HR 5266, the 5G UPGRADE Act of 2025, streamlines approval for 5G infrastructure by requiring local governments to act on wireless facility requests within 60 days or automatically approve them. It directly affects wireless companies seeking to install 5G equipment, limiting local governments’ ability to delay projects through excessive paperwork or vague denials. Key provisions include a strict 60-day deadline for approval/denial (with automatic approval if missed), rules requiring clear written justifications for denials citing specific regulations, and prohibitions on demanding unnecessary documentation beyond publicly available requirements. The bill also allows companies to sue for noncompliance and mandates federal rules within 180 days of enactment.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyStreamlines 5G infrastructure approvals, removing local government delays to accelerate deployment and expand high-speed internet access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · United States · House Sep 10, 2025

HR 5264: SPEED for Broadband Infrastructure Act of 2025

The SPEED for Broadband Infrastructure Act of 2025 exempts certain broadband infrastructure projects from federal environmental and historic preservation reviews. It applies specifically to small antenna installations (under 50 feet tall) in public rights-of-way, replacements of existing similar facilities, or minor expansions (within 30 feet) of current sites. This reduces federal permitting delays for broadband providers seeking to deploy or upgrade networks, while preserving state/local zoning authority and radiofrequency safety evaluations. The bill directly affects wireless service providers installing qualifying infrastructure, streamlining their project approvals without altering existing environmental or historic preservation obligations.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts small broadband projects from federal environmental reviews, weakening protections for natural resources and conservation during infrastructure deployment.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts broadband infrastructure from federal reviews to reduce permitting delays, directly expanding internet access infrastructure deployment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Broadband Access Telecommunications

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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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