Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Communications Equity and Diversity Council Act
A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Communications Equity and Diversity Council Act," proposes the creation of an advisory committee within the Federal Communications Commission. The Council is tasked with making recommendations to advance equity and access to communication services while assisting historically underserved individuals. It aims to accelerate the deployment of affordable and reliable services by removing regulatory barriers and helping small businesses enter the industry. Additionally, the Council will serve as a forum for stakeholders to discuss issues like deployment, affordability, and ownership diversity. The group will also develop data and examine industry trends to fulfill its duties.
Yes· 3 of 18
- Scored +5
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill specifically mandates efforts to accelerate the entry of small businesses into communication service industries.
- Scored +5
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The bill focuses on accelerating the deployment of affordable and reliable communication services to all communities.
- Scored +4
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill aims to facilitate the entry of small businesses into communication service industries.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Access and Equity: The Council is tasked with advancing equity in the provision of and access to communication services without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability (Section 2(a)(1)(A)).
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Support for Underserved Groups: The bill aims to assist historically underserved individuals in benefiting from communication services and opportunities (Section 2(a)(1)(B)).
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Improved Service Deployment: The Council will work toward accelerating the deployment of affordable and reliable communication services to all communities by reducing or removing regulatory barriers to infrastructure and investment (Section 2(a)(1)(C)).
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Small Business Growth: There is a focus on accelerating the entry of small businesses, including those owned by historically underserved individuals, into industries related to communication services (Section 2(a)(1)(D)).
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Public Transparency: Meetings of the Council must be open to the public and must result in deliverables such as meeting summaries, minutes, and presentations that are accessible to the public (Section 2(d)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens 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 business owners be better off under this? — The bill aims to facilitate the entry of small businesses into communication service industries. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill seeks to accelerate the deployment of reliable communication services specifically to rural areas. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill targets advancing equity for individuals of color and historically underserved groups. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill seeks to improve access and equity for individuals of color and underserved populations. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The focus on affordability and assisting those in poverty helps low-income households access essential services. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill promotes equity in access to communication services for people with disabilities. Would women be better off under this? — The bill explicitly identifies women as a group that the Council should assist to ensure equitable access. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill identifies veterans as a historically underserved group entitled to better communication opportunities.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill directs the Council to advance equity and protect against discrimination based on race and national origin. Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill seeks to advance equity and access for individuals with disabilities in communication services. Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The bill includes women as a historically underserved group to be assisted through communication services. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — By focusing on affordability and access, the bill aims to assist those adversely affected by persistent poverty.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill specifically mandates efforts to accelerate the entry of small businesses into communication service industries. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill aims to accelerate the entry of small businesses into communication industries, which can lead to job growth. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Reducing regulatory barriers to infrastructure and investment is intended to spur economic activity in communication services.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill focuses on accelerating the deployment of affordable and reliable communication services to all communities.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill aims to accelerate the deployment of reliable communication services to rural communities.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires Council meetings to be open to the public and produce accessible deliverables like summaries and minutes.
- 3/16/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Nanette BarragánDemocrat · California
Troy CarterDemocrat · Louisiana
Doris MatsuiDemocrat · California