Senate bill pushes federal agencies to unify fragmented broadband programs
In committeeS. 323Latest action
Sponsor: Roger F. Wicker · Senator · MS
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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S 323 would require a single national broadband plan coordinating more than a dozen separate federal programs to cut waste and overlap.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
S 323 directs a senior Commerce Department official to create a coordinated national plan covering all federal broadband programs. The plan must map existing programs, identify overlaps and conflicts, and produce a unified strategy. Projects costing more than five million dollars on federal land would qualify for a faster permitting review process.
Who does it affect?
The bill directly affects federal agencies, state and local governments, Tribal nations, and broadband providers seeking federal funding or permits. Any American without reliable, affordable internet access is indirectly affected by how effectively federal broadband spending is managed.
Why does it matter?
More than a dozen federal agencies currently run separate broadband programs, which the bill identifies as a source of wasted spending, duplicate projects, and confusion. The would independently review whether the coordinated plan is working, adding an external check on implementation.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 29, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Jun 1, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — By Senator Cruz from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 119-123. Minority views filed.