Doris Matsui (D-CA)
Digital Opportunity Foundation Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with no 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
The Digital Opportunity Foundation Act of 2026 aims to establish the Foundation for Digital Opportunity. This nonprofit organization is intended to promote digital inclusion and digital literacy across the United States. The Foundation's mission includes increasing broadband adoption and preparing populations for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. It will be governed by a Board of Directors and an Executive Director. The Foundation is designed to raise and leverage funding from various sectors to support its goals. This act also outlines the process for establishing a committee to oversee the Foundation's initial creation.
Yes· 3 of 18
- Scored +8
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The central mission of the bill is to increase broadband adoption and digital inclusion across the country.
- Scored +6
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill targets broadband adoption and digital literacy to provide better economic and educational opportunities.
- Scored +6
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill includes support for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program to assist Indigenous communities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Digital Access and Skills: The Foundation aims to promote digital inclusion, which includes ensuring individuals have access to reliable broadband, internet-enabled or artificial intelligence-enabled devices, and digital literacy training. (Section 2(a)(8) and Section 2(c)(1)(B))
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Economic and Educational Opportunities: Through programs and partnerships, the Foundation seeks to increase broadband adoption, upskill workers for emerging technologies, and support economic development including workforce readiness. (Section 2(c)(1)(B) and Section 2(c)(1)(C)(vi))
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Support for Specific Communities: The Foundation is tasked with promoting equitable access to digital technologies that support accessibility, telehealth, distance learning, and online access to governmental services. (Section 2(c)(1)(D))
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Support for Tribal Connectivity: The Foundation may support grants under the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program if there are not enough appropriations to do so. (Section 2(e)(10))
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Economic Stimulation via Subsidiaries: The Foundation may establish for-profit subsidiaries or impact investment funds to stimulate economic development activities and attract investment for digital inclusion. (Section 2(e)(6))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Lack of Government Liability: The United States shall not be liable for any debt, default, act, or omission of the Foundation, nor does the full faith and credit of the United States extend to its obligations. (Section 2(f)(9))
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Potential for Conflict of Interest: While the bill requires the Board to develop conflict of interest standards, it acknowledges that individuals serving as officers, employees, or members must navigate potential financial interests. (Section 2(f)(7))
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 households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill targets broadband adoption and digital literacy to provide better economic and educational opportunities. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill includes support for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program to assist Indigenous communities. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill aims to expand broadband access, which is a key factor in rural economic development. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill specifically mentions promoting digital technologies that support accessibility and telehealth for older individuals. Would students be better off under this? — The bill supports digital tools essential for distance learning and remote schooling. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill encourages digital inclusion which can support business retention and entrepreneurship. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Increased digital literacy and skills training prepares younger populations for emerging technologies like AI. Would women be better off under this? — Digital inclusion provides more remote work and educational opportunities that can benefit women.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The central mission of the bill is to increase broadband adoption and digital inclusion across the country. Does this make college cost less? — The bill supports distance learning and digital literacy which can benefit postsecondary and vocational education.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill aims to upskill workers for emerging technologies and support economic development. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The Foundation may establish for-profit subsidiaries that can partner with business incubators to support startups.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill focuses on digital inclusion for covered populations, which includes minority-serving institutions and diverse communities. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — By increasing digital literacy and broadband access, the bill aims to enhance economic opportunities for underserved populations.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill promotes digital technologies that support telehealth and remote healthcare access.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the Foundation to make its evaluations and financial accounting publicly available.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill includes digital literacy training that emphasizes awareness of cybersecurity measures.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill's focus on digital infrastructure provides a foundation for modernizing community connectivity.
- 5/20/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.