Bill directs Commerce official to craft national plan closing digital divide
In markupH.R. 2805Latest action
Sponsor: Tim Walberg · Representative · MI
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: PLAN for Broadband Act
119th Congress
Topics: AI & technology
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The PLAN for Broadband Act orders a federal strategy to coordinate and simplify broadband programs across agencies.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill requires the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at the Department of Commerce to create a "National Strategy to Close the Digital Divide." This strategy must list all federal and state broadband programs, identify overlaps and gaps, set agency goals and responsibilities, and recommend ways to cut red tape for governments seeking broadband funding. An implementation plan is due 120 days after the strategy, followed by regular congressional briefings and a later review.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects federal agencies involved in broadband, including the FCC, USDA, HUD, and the Department of Education. State, local, and tribal governments seeking federal broadband funding, and residents of underserved areas, would eventually be affected.
Why does it matter?
The bill does not create new funding or internet service itself, but aims to streamline existing federal broadband coordination and reduce bureaucratic obstacles. It explicitly does not grant the Commerce official new authority over the FCC.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Introduced in House” text of Apr 9, 2025.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 9, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 16, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 0.