A Republican bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 0.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The "PLAN for Broadband Act" directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to create a National Strategy to Close the Digital Divide. This strategy aims to better manage Federal broadband programs and improve coordination between various agencies. It also seeks to streamline the process for installing broadband infrastructure on Federal property. Additionally, the bill aims to reduce the administrative burdens on State, local, and Tribal governments. Following the strategy, an implementation plan must be developed to establish clear roles and performance measures. Finally, the Government Accountability Office will study the effectiveness of these efforts.
Yes· 3 of 40
- Scored +9
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
Primary beneficiary of efforts to close the digital divide and improve rural infrastructure.
- Scored +9
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The primary goal of the bill is to provide high-speed, affordable broadband to all individuals in the U.S.
- Scored +8
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
Explicitly mandates addressing the digital divide on Tribal lands.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Internet Access: The strategy aims to support the goal of providing high-speed, affordable broadband internet access service to all individuals in the United States (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Easier Infrastructure Installation: The bill seeks to synchronize coordination for approving easements, rights of way, or leases on Federal property to help install or maintain broadband infrastructure (Section 2(a)(3)).
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Support for Local Governments: The act aims to reduce barriers, lower costs, and ease administrative burdens for State, local, and Tribal governments trying to participate in Federal broadband programs (Section 2(a)(4)).
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Focus on Tribal Lands: The strategy is required to address specific issues related to closing the digital divide on Tribal lands (Section 2(b)(11)).
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Increased Program Awareness: The implementation plan includes a plan to increase awareness of, and participation in, Federal broadband programs regarding affordability and adoption (Section 3(b)(9)).
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Waste Reduction: The plan includes steps to monitor and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal broadband programs, including spending caused by overlapping programs (Section 3(b)(7)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Primary beneficiary of efforts to close the digital divide and improve rural infrastructure. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Explicitly mandates addressing the digital divide on Tribal lands. Would farmers be better off under this? — Critical for precision agriculture and accessing market data in rural areas. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Specifically targets the affordability and adoption of broadband for disadvantaged individuals. Would students be better off under this? — Crucial for digital learning, research, and online education. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — Targets socially and economically disadvantaged groups to close the digital divide. Would business owners be better off under this? — Provides better infrastructure for business operations, especially in rural areas. Would children be better off under this? — Improved internet access is critical for modern education and homework. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Targets socially and economically disadvantaged groups to close the digital divide. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Increases economic opportunity and access to services. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Enables remote work and telehealth, which are critical for accessibility. Would retired people be better off under this? — Improves access to health services and social connection. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Enables better access to telehealth and social connectivity. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Enhances opportunities for remote work and education. Would immigrants be better off under this? — Increases access to communication and essential digital services. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Facilitates access to VA telehealth services. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — General benefit from improved national connectivity. Would LGBTQ people be better off under this? — General benefit from increased connectivity and access to resources. Would men be better off under this? — General benefit from increased connectivity and economic opportunity. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — General improvement in national digital infrastructure. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Helps close gaps in underserved urban pockets. Would white Americans be better off under this? — General benefit from improved national connectivity. Would women be better off under this? — General benefit from increased connectivity and economic opportunity. Would high-income households be better off under this? — Broad general benefit, though less impactful for those who already have access.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Closing the digital divide enables greater economic participation and growth for underserved populations. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Increased broadband access allows small businesses in rural or underserved areas to compete in the digital economy. Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — Requires GAO oversight and strategies to eliminate overlapping and wasteful programs. Is this likely to create jobs? — Improved broadband infrastructure generally stimulates economic activity and job creation in underserved areas. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill specifically mandates a plan to reduce waste and duplicative spending across Federal broadband programs.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires regular briefings to Congress and a GAO study to examine efficacy. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — Aims to reduce administrative burdens and costs for State, local, and Tribal governments. Does this make it easier to do business across state lines? — Better broadband infrastructure facilitates digital commerce across state lines. Does this give the federal government more power? — Centralizes the national strategy for broadband under the Assistant Secretary of Commerce.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The primary goal of the bill is to provide high-speed, affordable broadband to all individuals in the U.S.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — Directly targets closing the digital divide, which is essential for modern rural economic development. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — Streamlines the use of Federal property for broadband infrastructure installation.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — Focuses on socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to close the digital divide. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Affordable broadband is a critical tool for economic mobility and poverty reduction.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — Increased internet connectivity enables greater access to telehealth and digital health resources. Does this make mental health care easier to get? — Expanding broadband access facilitates the growth of telehealth services for mental health.
- 9/16/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 0.
- 9/1/2026
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 8/26/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/9/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Kristen McDonald RivetDemocrat · Michigan
Scott PetersDemocrat · California
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia