ACCESS BROADBAND Act
- Last Action
- 5/9/2019
Actions
- 2019-05-09Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2019-05-08Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2019-05-08On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3488-3489)
- 2019-05-08Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H3488-3489)
- 2019-05-08DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1328.
- 2019-05-08Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3488-3490)
- 2019-05-08Mr. Tonko moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2019-02-26Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
- 2019-02-25Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2019-02-25Introduced in House
- 2019-02-25Introduced in House
CRS Summary
As of 2019-05-08 (53)
Advancing Critical Connectivity Expands Service, Small Business Resources, Opportunities, Access, and Data Based on Assessed Need and Demand Act or the ACCESS BROADBAND Act
This bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The office shall connect with communities that need access to high-speed internet and hold regional workshops to share best practices and effective strategies for promoting broadband access and adoption. The bill also requires the office to (1) develop targeted broadband training and presentations for various demographic communities through media, (2) develop and distribute publications providing guidance to communities for expanding broadband access and adoption, and (3) track construction and use of and access to any broadband infrastructure built using federal support.
Under the bill, the office shall consult with any agency offering a federal broadband support program in order to streamline the application process for financial assistance or grants.
The office, any agency that offers a federal broadband support program, and the Federal Communications Commission through the Universal Service Fund shall coordinate to ensure that broadband support is being distributed in an efficient, technology-neutral, and financially sustainable manner.
Cosponsors (20)
- Susan Brooks (R-IN)
- David McKinley (R-WV)
- Peter Welch (D-VT)
- Elise Stefanik (R-NY)
- Anthony Brindisi (D-NY)
- Chris Collins (R-NY)
- ANNA ESHOO (D-CA)
- Grace Meng (D-NY)
- H. Griffith (R-VA)
- Bill Johnson (R-OH)
- Sean Casten (D-IL)
- Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA)
- Josh Harder (D-CA)
- Elaine Luria (D-VA)
- Angie Craig (D-MN)
- Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
- Cynthia Axne (D-IA)
- Cathy Rodgers (R-WA)
- Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ)
- Abby Finkenauer (D-IA)
Subjects
- Congressional oversight
- Department of Commerce
- Digital media
- Economic development
- Economic performance and conditions
- Educational technology and distance education
- Employment and training programs
- Executive agency funding and structure
- Government information and archives
- Government lending and loan guarantees
- HIV/AIDS
- Health technology, devices, supplies
- Housing and community development funding
- Housing finance and home ownership
- Indian social and development programs
- Internet and video services
- Internet, web applications, social media
- Libraries and archives
- Public housing
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.