PLAN for Broadband Act
Sponsored By: Representative Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5]
Introduced
Summary
National Strategy to Close the Digital Divide would require the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to align and improve federal broadband programs so more people get reliable, affordable high‑speed internet. The strategy must map programs, set clear roles and performance measures, and recommend actions to cut duplication and lower costs for state, local, and Tribal partners.
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- Families and consumers: Aims to expand high‑speed, affordable broadband access and boost participation in affordability and adoption programs so more households can get connected.
- State, local, and Tribal governments: Directs steps to reduce administrative burdens and costs, recommends incentives and legislative fixes, and targets resources to help these governments distribute and manage federal broadband funds, with specific attention to Tribal lands.
- Federal coordination and oversight: Requires a Strategy within one year and an Implementation Plan within 120 days, mandates public consultations and regular briefings to Congress, and triggers a Comptroller General study to assess how well the plan closes the digital divide.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
National plan to close the digital divide
If enacted, the Assistant Secretary would write a National Strategy within 1 year. They would consult federal agencies, states, Tribes, providers, experts, and public groups. The Strategy would list all broadband programs, set clear roles and goals, and define performance measures and costs. It would aim to cut state, local, and Tribal burdens, improve permits on federal land, and address Tribal land needs and regional participation. It would also recommend fixes to coordinate funding and reduce duplication.
Plan to carry out broadband strategy
If enacted, within 120 days after sending the Strategy to Congress, the Assistant Secretary would submit an Implementation Plan. Public comments would be sought within 30 days after the Strategy is submitted. The plan would assign tasks, set accountability, and require regular interagency and public meetings. It would adopt shared data and maps (including FCC broadband maps and ACCESS BROADBAND applications), require consistent spending reports, and watch for waste, fraud, and abuse. It would also boost awareness and enrollment in affordability and adoption programs and list needed actions.
Protects FCC authority during coordination
If enacted, the bill would not change the FCC’s authority. It would not let the Assistant Secretary or other agencies direct FCC actions.
Regular updates to Congress and GAO review
If enacted, the Assistant Secretary and agency leaders would brief Congress within 21 days after the Implementation Plan is sent. After implementation starts, they would brief again within 90 days and at least every 90 days until the plan is finished. GAO would study how well the Strategy and Plan work and report to Congress within 1 year after the Plan is sent.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5]
MI • R
Cosponsors
Peters
CA • D
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]
MI • D
Sponsored 7/15/2025
Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
VA • D
Sponsored 8/26/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov