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119-hr-7943119th CongressWALLET
Communications Equity and Diversity Council Act
Sponsored By: Representative Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a Communications Equity and Diversity Council at the Federal Communications Commission to advance equity in access and participation in communication services. It would advise the FCC on preventing discrimination, expanding affordable and reliable services, speeding infrastructure deployment, and promoting small business and ownership diversity in communications.
Show full summary
- Historically underserved households and consumers gain a formal advisory channel to raise issues like digital discrimination and affordability.
- Small businesses, including those owned by historically underserved individuals, get a focus on entry supports such as access to capital, mentoring, procurement opportunities, and workforce upskilling.
- Communities get attention to faster deployment by identifying and reducing regulatory barriers to infrastructure and investment.
- The council would have 30-35 members with two-year terms, meet at least 3 times per year, and publish a public deliverable after every meeting.
*Would authorize $450,000 for fiscal year 2027 to operate the council, increasing federal spending by that amount.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New FCC council for communications equity
If enacted, the bill would create the Communications Equity and Diversity Council inside the FCC. The council would advise the FCC on fair access, anti‑discrimination, affordability, infrastructure, small business entry, and ownership diversity. It would have 30–35 members appointed by the FCC Chair, serve two‑year terms, and include representatives of historically underserved groups defined in the bill (for example, people of color, women, rural residents, veterans, and people with disabilities). The council would meet at least three times a year, hold public meetings with published summaries and presentations, and the bill would authorize $450,000 for fiscal year 2027 to support its work.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]
NJ • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]
CA • D
Sponsored 3/16/2026
Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]
CA • D
Sponsored 3/16/2026
Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]
LA • D
Sponsored 3/16/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov